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Computer Software and Media Applications at University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $33,508/yr (-28% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (70% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)

ROI 11.2x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #36 of 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Software and Media Applications graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$405K	$416K	$422K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.9x	11.2x	11.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.4x	3.5x	3.5x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	40	46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,260

Out-of-state: $119,348 (3.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$52,688

-41% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,750

8.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $33,508 place University of Utah below the $46,351 national median for Computer Software and Media Applications — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 11.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The -4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Software and Media Applications career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,750 against $33,508/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #36 ranking among 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs places University of Utah in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Utah

University of Utah accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 26,041 students enrolled in Salt Lake City, UT.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Utah →

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

Computer Software and Media Applications at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Utah

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

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Software and Media Applications at University of Utah?

At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Computer Software and Media Applications programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Software and Media Applications at University of Utah?

The 70% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is University of Utah a good choice for Computer Software and Media Applications despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of Utah's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →