Software Development at Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Computer Software and Media Applications
70 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
71
Optimistic
70
Base Case
64
Pessimistic
Earnings $69,052/yr (49% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (70% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)
ROI 4.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #10 of 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

The strong outcomes for this degree are rooted in RIT's DNA as a career-focused, polytechnic university. Its mandatory co-op program is the key differentiator; you'll graduate with a full year or more of paid, professional experience already on your resume. This isn't just a summer internship—it's a deep integration with industry that builds a powerful professional network before you even graduate. Recruiters from major tech and gaming firms like Microsoft, Epic Games, and Amazon, as well as Rochester-area tech leaders like L3Harris, actively seek out RIT students because they can contribute from day one. While the "Very High" AI risk for software roles is real, your hands-on, project-based training prepares you to work *with* AI tools, not be replaced by them. Your actionable step: research the specific co-op employers for this major and start networking with current students on LinkedIn now.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Software Development graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $966K $910K $709K
Earnings Multiple 4.2x 4.0x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 71 70 64

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$228,064
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$118,776
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$99,801
45% growth from Year 1

About Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology accepts 71% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 13,225 in Rochester, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $118,776 over four years — 48% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Rochester Institute of Technology →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Software Development at Other Schools

Other Majors at Rochester Institute of Technology

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Rochester Institute of Technology's Software Development program score?
A score of 70/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Rochester Institute of Technology's Software Development graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Software Development to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Software Development careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 70% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Rochester Institute of Technology rank so high for Software Development?
The #10 ranking out of 55 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →