Computer Software and Media Applications at Madison Area Technical College

Madison, WI · Public · Associate Degree

with a mid-sized student body of 9,273 in Madison, WI.

Program Analysis

At $65,191 per year, Computer Software and Media Applications graduates from Madison Area Technical College significantly outpace the $31,879 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 71.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Software and Media Applications career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

The median debt load of $13,149 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

At #2 of 24 programs, this Computer Software and Media Applications program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

For students considering alternatives, 3 registered apprenticeship programs align with Computer Software and Media Applications careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

78 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
71
Low End
78
Score
81
High End
Earnings $65,191/yr (104% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (30% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$682K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
71.3x
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 (In-State)
$9,560
Out-of-state: $14,054
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,149
2.4 months of Year 1 earnings

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

Other Majors at Madison Area Technical College

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 78/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Computer Software and Media Applications at Madison Area Technical College?
This program scores 78/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Software and Media Applications nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Will AI affect Computer Software and Media Applications careers?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Software and Media Applications careers outright, but it is likely to reduce job openings. We model 70% task exposure, which compresses employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Computer Software and Media Applications at Madison Area Technical College?
At $13,149 in median debt, Computer Software and Media Applications graduates from Madison Area Technical College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Computer Software and Media Applications graduates?
There are 3 registered apprenticeships connected to Computer Software and Media Applications occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Computer Software and Media Applications graduates?
With approximately 262,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Computer Software and Media Applications offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →