Software Developmentat Rochester Institute of Technology
Graduates earn $69,052/yr in their first year — about 49.0% above the national Software Development average. Base-case 10-year earnings $910K; scenarios range from $709K to $966K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at RIT
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.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to RIT's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Software Development
How RIT stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at RIT
Other highest-scoring programs offered at RIT, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Software Development offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Software Development trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Software Development at RIT
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.