Computer Software and Media Applications at Academy of Interactive Entertainment

Seattle, WA · Private nonprofit · Certificate

A 65% admission rate makes Academy of Interactive Entertainment accessible to a wide range of qualified students, a compact campus enrolling 76 students in Seattle, WA.

Program Analysis

At $24,750 per year, Computer Software and Media Applications graduates from Academy of Interactive Entertainment earn below the $31,879 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 16.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI exposure is significant at 70% of job tasks, producing a 40% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

The median debt load of $12,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

At #21 out of 24 programs, Academy of Interactive Entertainment's financial outcomes for Computer Software and Media Applications trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $24,750 to $38,714 over five years (56% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

Computer Software and Media Applications connects to 3 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

47 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
37
Low End
47
Score
50
High End
Earnings $24,750/yr (-22% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (30% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$431K
11.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
17.5x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
13 of 13
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$24,600
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,714
56% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Computer Software and Media Applications graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Computer and information systems managers $171,200 +15.2% 47%
Computer and information research scientists $140,910 +19.7% 37%
Database architects $135,980 +8.7% 6%
Computer and information systems managers
$171,200
+15.2% growth 47% AI-proof
Computer and information research scientists
$140,910
+19.7% growth 37% AI-proof
Database architects
$135,980
+8.7% growth 6% AI-proof

View all 13 career paths with full salary data →

About Computer Software and Media Applications Careers

Your career could begin as a software developer, where you’ll spend your days in a code editor like VS Code, writing Python or JavaScript and collaborating with a team to build and debug applications. Alternatively, you could focus on user experience as a web and digital interface designer, using tools like Figma to create wireframes and test how people interact with your layouts.

Read the full Computer Software and Media Applications career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Software and Media Applications Overview

Computer Software and Media Applications at Other Schools

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 47/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Computer Software and Media Applications at Academy of Interactive Entertainment?
A score of 47/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Computer Software and Media Applications. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI affect Computer Software and Media Applications careers?
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.
Why are Computer Software and Media Applications earnings lower at Academy of Interactive Entertainment?
Starting salary is one data point. If Academy of Interactive Entertainment's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Can I learn Computer Software and Media Applications through an apprenticeship instead?
Computer Software and Media Applications connects to 3 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Is there demand for Computer Software and Media Applications workers?
The career paths mapped to Computer Software and Media Applications have roughly 262,500 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →