Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications at College of DuPage

Glen Ellyn, IL · Public · Associate Degree

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/Microcomputer 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/Microcomputer 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/Microcomputer 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/Microcomputer 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/Microcomputer 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

About Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications Careers

Your workday will be centered on a computer, where you'll focus on speed and precision. As a data entry keyer, you'll take information from sources like paper forms or invoices and input it into digital systems. As a word processor, you’ll use programs like Microsoft Word to format complex reports or legal documents, ensuring every detail aligns with specific style guides. Initially, you’ll handle straightforward tasks while building a reputation for accuracy.

Read the full Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications career guide →

Compare & Explore

Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications Overview

Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications at Other Schools

Other Majors at College of DuPage

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications at College of DuPage?
A score of 36/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Should I worry about AI if I study Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications?
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/Microcomputer Applications at College of DuPage?
At $6,371 in median debt, Data Entry/Microcomputer 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.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications graduates?
Yes — 3 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications career paths, including Information Management (Word Processing) (Military Only). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →