### SUMMARY

 Majoring in Computer Software and Media Applications is not only a valuable choice, but commonly a required first step for undergraduates seeking to pursue a career as a media software developer, an embedded software engineer, or a principal software engineer. Interestingly, computer software and media applications is pretty common ranking as the 102nd most popular area of study. Last year, there were 3,499 computer software and media applications graduates. In-state tuition for computer software and media applications at private schools is, on average, 3.4 times more spendy than their public fellows.

 There are 201 schools which offer computer software and media applications. This number of institutions is fairly average in terms of the number of institutions which offer each degree. If you're looking to surround yourself with other computer software and media applications majors, consider institutions in New York which have the most students admitted to computer software and media applications annually. Zooming out, the best region to get a degree in computer software and media applications is in the Mid East region with [The New School](/colleges/the-new-school), [Rochester Institute of Technology](/colleges/rochester-institute-of-technology), and [School of Visual Arts](/colleges/school-of-visual-arts) best representing the region. Interestingly, our pick for the top conference to study computer software and media applications is the Big Ten Conference with [University of Michigan-Ann Arbor](/colleges/university-of-michigan-ann-arbor), [Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus](/colleges/pennsylvania-state-university-main-campus), and [Purdue University-Main Campus](/colleges/purdue-university-main-campus) representing the conference. That being said, our choice for the best school for computer software and media applications is [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california). You might also want to check out our list of the [best colleges](/rankings/best-colleges).

 The overall best school might not actually be the best school for every student. There are a bunch more facets to consider when deciding on institution. Things like campus amenities, transportation services, and food might definitely alter your inclinations on where to go to college. At Authority, we evaluated the pros and cons for you. If, as an example, you are interested in which computer software and media applications college boasts the best campus, the answer is [New York University](/colleges/new-york-university). If, for example, you are very interested in which college has the finest campus, we have a whole list [dedicated to that](/rankings/best-college-campuses). We have carefully pored through student reviews, government databases, professor reviews, and more so we can evaluate every U.S. major in an unbiased and informative way. You can find our well researched list for the universities with the [best student life](/rankings/best-student-life)&nbsphere and, from that list, our pick of the college with the best student life for computer software and media applications is [University of Michigan-Ann Arbor](/colleges/university-of-michigan-ann-arbor). Are you curious why? Keep scrolling to learn more about our top choices. Some of our decisions just might shock you.

 If price is a major influence in your decisions, you might be cautious about [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california). [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california)&nbspappears to be our most expensive university for computer software and media applications, at least regarding out of state enrollment. We have an entire page for the [most expensive](/rankings/most-expensive-colleges)&nbspcolleges that might put the price tag at [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california)&nbspinto perspective. For more context, you may be interested to know that computer software and media applications is the 164th most expensive degree in the United States, with an average cost of $32,700. On a broader scale, the most expensive state for computer software and media applications in the country is Massachusetts with expenses at the main three institutions of $52,420 at Northeastern University, amounting to $55,728 at Wellesley College, and costs totalling $55,728 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Even more broadly, the most costly region for computer software and media applications is the New England region which is best demonstrated with [Northeastern University](/colleges/northeastern-university) with a cost of $52,420, [Wellesley College](/colleges/wellesley-college) with a cost of $55,728, and [Worcester Polytechnic Institute](/colleges/worcester-polytechnic-institute) with a cost of $51,604.

 Our cheapest region for computer software and media applications is the Rocky Mountains region which is represented by [Brigham Young University-Idaho](/colleges/brigham-young-university-idaho) with a cost of $4,208, [Brigham Young University-Provo](/colleges/brigham-young-university-provo) with a cost of $5,790, and [Western Governors University](/colleges/western-governors-university) with a cost of $6,380. In better news, the most affordable school for computer software and media applications is [Florida Polytechnic University](/colleges/florida-polytechnic-university). Our comprehensive list of the most affordable colleges can be found [here](/rankings/most-affordable-colleges).

 In-state students can anticipate paying about $9,700 for a degree in computer software and media applications. The price balloons intensely to a median of $23,600 for the out-of-state public-school student. As such, you might be interested in our choice for the school with the best value for computer software and media applications: [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california). Here you can see our comprehensive list about the colleges we see as being the [best value](/rankings/best-value-colleges)&nbspin general. Bear in mind, this section is based on being an out-of-state student. The value proposition changes when in-state tuition costs are considered, but we do not know where you live (and are not trying to collect that kind of data).

 Earnings for computer software and media applications students can cover a wide range, but two years after finishing the degree graduates will regularly earn around $82,000. There is a lot of variation in salary; highest paid earners can experience pay up to $133,800. Even right out of school, the lowest earning jobs within the computer software and media applications space make $50,100, which could be worse. The top earning graduates for computer software and media applications have come from [Worcester Polytechnic Institute](/colleges/worcester-polytechnic-institute)&nbspand if you want to find the schools with all of the [highest earning graduates](/rankings/highest-earning-graduates), we have that too.

 The prevailing diversity of computer software and media applications sits very high, falling in the 95th percentile of majors nationally. The college with the highest composite diversity for computer software and media applications is [New York University](/colleges/new-york-university)&nbspand here you can find our comprehensive list for the colleges with the [most diversity](/rankings/most-diverse-colleges). The overall financial diversity of the Computer Software and Media Applications major only ranks within the 39th percentile of all majors. Racial diversity is greater than financial diversity, ranking in the 89th percentile. White students make up the largest proportion at 44% of students studying computer software and media applications. Additionally, 57% of undergraduates pursuing a computer software and media applications degree are men.

 The median ranking for computer software and media applications professors is 4.5 stars, a ranking which is 13% higher than the median score across all majors; this is a pretty good ranking. If you want to find the most popular computer software and media applications instructor in the country, look no further than Jason Roberts from [Cosumnes River College](/colleges/cosumnes-river-college). It may be surprising, but the top rated instructors for computer software and media applications from student rankings are found at [University of Washington-Seattle Campus](/colleges/university-of-washington-seattle-campus). As we consider data beyond just rankings it becomes clear that the university possessing the best instructors for computer software and media applications is [New York University](/colleges/new-york-university). You will find an explanation of our ever evolving ranking methodology of the [best overall professors here](/rankings/best-professors), along with many of the top instructors nationwide.

 Finally, the hardest university to get into for computer software and media applications is [Hampshire College](/colleges/hampshire-college). While we are unsure why you would be interested, we do have an extensive page of the [hardest colleges to get into](/rankings/hardest-colleges-to-get-into). That being said, we hope you believe that considering university through a lens only formed from superlatives can cause issues. We at Authority encourage you to look at some of our more focused pages on different topics and peruse a couple of our background pages on beneficial details to think about as you progress with your school search.



 ### POPULARITY

 Computer software and media applications is the 102nd most popular degree in America, with 3,499 students receiving their bachelors degree last year. It just beat out #103 [Secondary Education and Teaching](/rankings/best-colleges-for-secondary-education-and-teaching), and narrowly lost to #101 [Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services](/rankings/best-colleges-for-foods-nutrition-and-related-services).

 The degree is offered at a total of 201 colleges across the nation, and is the 101st most widely offered degree. It is only offered at 11% of the Top 100 [Best Colleges](/rankings/best-colleges) in America.

 It is also worth noting that 65% of colleges offering computer software and media applications are public making it a quite accessible field.

 The mid east produces the most computer software and media applications graduates, largely led by [The New School](/colleges/the-new-school), while it’s the Big Ten Conference that leads conference totals. As far as states, New York ranks highest, with particular help from [The New School](/colleges/the-new-school) and [Rochester Institute of Technology](/colleges/rochester-institute-of-technology).

 All that being said, no individual school produces more computer software and media applications graduates than [Arizona Western College](/colleges/arizona-western-college), which graduated 348 students last year alone. Although size is critical, another important factor to consider is the program’s density (the percent of all students that study computer software and media applications). More students studied computer software and media applications as a percentage of total students at [Atlantic University College](/colleges/atlantic-university-college) than any other college.



 ### COST

 Computer software and media applications is the 164th most expensive degree in America, with a median cost of $32,727 amongst the top 50 programs (just ahead of #165, [Early Childhood Education and Teaching](rankings/best-colleges-for-early-childhood-education-and-teaching), with a median cost of $32,703).

 New England has the most expensive colleges with high quality computer software and media applications programs predominantly led by [Northeastern University](/colleges/northeastern-university) with an annual cost of $52,420. Massachusetts is the most expensive state for computer software and media applications also led by [Northeastern University](/colleges/northeastern-university) and [Wellesley College](/colleges/wellesley-college).

 Public schools with solid programs typically charge 70.64% less than private schools for in-state students. However, when looking at out-of-state tuition, the median top 50 Public school charges 28.61% less than the median private school. So, if you're hoping to attend a state school, make sure you qualify for in-state tuition sooner rather than later.

 The most high-priced option in the top 25 is [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california), which is the 14th most expensive college in the United States. The most affordable option in the top 100 is [College of Charleston](/colleges/college-of-charleston). It costs just $70 per year and is its computer software and media applications program is ranked #34. If you’re looking for the least expensive option in the top 25, [Florida Polytechnic University](/colleges/florida-polytechnic-university)  might be right for you, ranked #6 with an in-state cost of just $3,152. Another more affordable pick would be #21, [University of Houston](/colleges/university-of-houston) in Harris County, TX with a cost of $8,219 for in-state students and $20,747 for out-of-state students.



### SALARY

 Begining college is a serious investment for most students. It's important to make sure you get a good return on your investment. With that in mind, we hope the following earnings and career data help you in deciding your major at college.

 The average Computer Software and Media Applications graduate draws a starting salary of $37,959 per year (close to national median 48th percentile). Further into their professions, they can make up to $133,763 down to $50,068, but average around $81,990. Just so you know, that's 2.12 times the American average.

 The most common work position for a Computer Software and Media Applications graduate is Software Engineer, which usually earn close to $65,000; next are Software Engineering Internship and Software Developer, which often earn around $31,000 and $63,000 respectively.

 The highest earning region for Computer Software and Media Applications graduates is The Far West. The highest earning state for Computer Software and Media Applications alumni is MI. The best paid conference for Computer Software and Media Applications graduates is American Midwest Conference.



### PROFESSORS

 Fast Facts for Computer Software and Media Applications: Median Professor Rating: 4.5 / 5, which is Top 50.

 Instructors often have a consequential influence your college experience, regardless of your major. A good professor may provide inspiration and set a student up for future success. On the other hand, a poor professor can bring unwelcome stress or even worse... flunk you!

 Computer Software and Media Applications professors boast a median student rating of 4.5 out of 5, which puts them in 20th place in the US grounded in overall professor effectivness. For context a 4.5 rating is 12.5% higher than the national median professor rating for all subjects. Professors of Computer Software and Media Applications slightly out-ranked those from ["Athletic Training"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-athletic-training), whereas ["Environmental Engineering"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-environmental-engineering)&nbspprofessors ranked one slot above Computer Software and Media Applications.

 Now for some statistics about Computer Software and Media Applications professors. Colleges located in small suburbs tend to have the best Computer Software and Media Applications professors. The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has the highest rated Computer Software and Media Applications professors. The New England region has the highest rated Computer Software and Media Applications professors. Public universities tend to have higher rated Computer Software and Media Applications professors than private colleges. Finally, Oregon has the highest rated Computer Software and Media Applications professors in the United States.

 Jason Roberts, instructor at [Cosumnes River College](/colleges/cosumnes-river-college)&nbspin Sacramento, CA is the most popular Computer Software and Media Applications professor in the United States. Natalia Dame, professor at [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california)&nbspin Los Angeles, CA is the highest rated Computer Software and Media Applications professor in the United States, with a rating of 5 / 5.

 See which universities have the [Best Professors](/rankings/best-professors)!



### STUDENTS

 College can be one of the most significant investments in one's life; it's a time for individual growth and development. Pupils try to ascertain who they are as people and cultivate the required skills to become a halcyon member of society. But learning goes beyond a classroom - the conversations which one has with his classmates, the personal lesson received from a tenured instructor, the exposure to a different background. Therefore, finding a diverse college tremendously enriches what you gain from your time spent in school.

 Computer Software and Media Applications is a more popular subject among students of color than white students. 44% of the nation's Computer Software and Media Applications majors are white students, followed by students of other races\*\*(32%), asian students (9%), and latino students (9%). The most racially diverse college\* in the top 100 is [Bellevue College](/colleges/bellevue-college)&nbspin Bellevue, WA.

 Moreover, Computer Software and Media Applications slightly skews male, with a shade north of 3 in every 7 majors identifying as men. The most gender balanced school in the top 100 is [Santa Clara University](/colleges/santa-clara-university) in Santa Clara, CA.

 Another significant type of diversity is financial diversity. Unfortunately, Computer Software and Media Applications ranks in the bottom 40% of subjects income diversity. 29% of its majors come from low income families, 15% are from homes that bring in between $30,000 and $48,000 a year, and 26% grew up in households with $110,000 plus annual incomes. [DeVry University-New Jersey](/colleges/devry-university-new-jersey) has the most fiscally diverse student body in the top 100.

 Considering each type of diversity, overall IL is the most diverse state for Computer Software and Media Applications. The Mid East is the most diverse region, and the Big East Conference is the most diverse conference.

   \* diversity calculations and comparisons are based on [Simpson's Diversity Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity_index)   
  \*\* other races is used to refer to non asian, black, latino, or white

  #### Diversity Statistics

  ##### Racial Diversity

 * Asian: 9%
* Black: 5%
* Latino: 9%
* White: 44%
* Other: 32%
  ##### Gender Diversity

 * Male: 57%
* Female: 43%
  ##### Socioeconomic Diversity (By Household Income)

 * Under 30k: 29%
* 30k - 48k: 15%
* 48k - 75k: 15%
* 75k - 110k: 15%
* Over 110k: 26%
  ##### Geographic Diversity

 * In State: 58%
* Out of State: 36%
* International: 7%


Northeastern University

University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Southern California

University of Miami

Atlantic Technical College

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Indiana University-Bloomington

University of Arizona

University of Denver

DePaul University

University of California-Irvine

Moraine Park Technical College

Drexel University

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

The University of Texas at Dallas

Pasadena City College

Texas State Technical College

Abilene Christian University

Miami University-Oxford

Loyola University New Orleans

Wayne Community College

Sandhills Community College

Moorpark College

Santa Rosa Junior College

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Top 25 Best Colleges for Computer Software and Media Applications

Computer Software and Media Applications

Best Colleges for Computer Software and Media Applications

There are about 57,983 students enrolled in Computer Software and Media Applications in the USA.

2024 Best Colleges for Computer Software and Media Applications

2023 Computer Software and Media Applications Professors

There are about 57,983 students enrolled in Computer Software and Media Applications in the USA.

PROFESSORS