Data Entry & Applications at College of DuPage

Glen Ellyn, IL · Public · Associate Degree · Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications

with a mid-sized student body of 15,185 in Glen Ellyn, IL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $45,016 track close to the $46,716 national median for Data Entry & Applications programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 54.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Data Entry & Applications career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $6,371 in median debt against $45,016 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Data Entry & Applications is offered at just 2 schools in our analysis. College of DuPage's #2 ranking should be read in that context.

For students considering alternatives, 3 registered apprenticeship programs align with Data Entry & Applications careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

36 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
36
Low End
36
Score
40
High End
Earnings $45,016/yr (-4% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (18% shielded)
Job Market Medium (11,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$516K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
59.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
0 of 2
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

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

Program Tuition (In-State)
$8,640
Out-of-state: $25,020
Median Debt at Graduation
$6,371
1.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Data Entry & Applications graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Word processors and typists $47,850 -36.1% 26%
Data entry keyers $39,850 -25.9% 11%
Word processors and typists
$47,850
-36.1% growth 26% AI-proof
Data entry keyers
$39,850
-25.9% growth 11% AI-proof

Data Entry & Applications Career Guide

Data Entry & Applications opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Data Entry & Applications career guide →

Compare & Explore

Data Entry & Applications Overview

Data Entry & Applications at Other Schools

Other Majors at College of DuPage

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Data Entry & Applications at College of DuPage?
A score of 36/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Data Entry & Applications. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI affect Data Entry & Applications careers?
With 82% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $470,966 in decade earnings vs $516,057 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
How affordable is Data Entry & Applications at College of DuPage?
At $6,371 in median debt, Data Entry & Applications graduates from College of DuPage carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.1x is well below the trade program average.
Can I learn Data Entry & Applications through an apprenticeship instead of College of DuPage?
There are 3 registered apprenticeships connected to Data Entry & Applications occupations, such as Information Management (Word Processing) (Military Only) and Photocomposing-Perforat-Ma. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →