Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed to equip learners with foundational digital proficiency, this program focuses on mastering essential data and text entry operations in professional environments. Students develop the technical precision and workflow efficiency required to manage information accurately across diverse software platforms.
- Keyboarding Proficiency: Builds speed, accuracy, and ergonomic technique in typing, enabling rapid and error-free data input across digital interfaces.
- Personal Computer and Workstation Operation: Covers the setup, navigation, and maintenance of standard computing environments used in administrative and data-intensive roles.
- Data Interpretation and Input: Teaches the ability to read, analyze, and correctly transcribe draft documents, raw data forms, and structured records with attention to detail.
- Audio and Tape Dictation Processing: Provides training in listening to spoken content, transcribing verbal information, and formatting output for clarity and consistency.
- Word Processing Applications: Focuses on creating, editing, formatting, and managing documents using industry-standard software for professional communication.
- Spreadsheet Management: Introduces core functions for organizing, calculating, and visualizing data using structured grids and formula-driven workflows.
- Database Fundamentals: Explores the principles of storing, retrieving, and managing structured data through interactive database systems.
- Interactive Software Integration: Emphasizes the use of multi-functional tools that support workflow automation, task coordination, and seamless data exchange across platforms.
Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications degrees, including Data Entry Keyers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 135,280 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Entry Keyers 43-9021 | $39,850 | $30,100 - $56,930 | 135,280 | $19.16 |
Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $33,530 in Mississippi to $51,860 in District of Columbia—a 55% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 135,280 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 55 institutions offering Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications is found at Diablo Valley College (DVC) (45 graduates), Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) (33 graduates), Irvine Valley College (IVC) (31 graduates), Cerritos College (28 graduates), and McLennan Community College (MCC) (22 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 414 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diablo Valley College (DVC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
45 | Pleasant Hill, California | Public | dvc.edu |
| Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
33 | Kirkland, Washington | Public | lwtech.edu |
| Irvine Valley College (IVC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
31 | Irvine, California | Public | ivc.edu |
| Cerritos College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
28 | Norwalk, California | Public | cerritos.edu |
| McLennan Community College (MCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
22 | Waco, Texas | Public | mclennan.edu |
| College of DuPage (COD) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
21 | Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Public | cod.edu |
| Coastline Community College (CC) |
Other Award
|
20 | Fountain Valley, California | Public | coastline.edu |
| Lemoore College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
19 | Lemoore, California | Public | westhillscollege.com |
| Santa Monica College (SMC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
17 | Santa Monica, California | Public | smc.edu |
| Clark College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
15 | Vancouver, Washington | Public | clark.edu |
| Sacramento City College (SCC) |
Other Award
|
14 | Sacramento, California | Public | scc.losrios.edu |
| South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) |
Other Award
|
11 | Americus, Georgia | Public | southgatech.edu |
| Saddleback College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | Mission Viejo, California | Public | saddleback.edu |
| Bellevue College (BC) |
Other Award
|
10 | Bellevue, Washington | Public | bellevuecollege.edu |
| Antelope Valley Community College District (AVCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
8 | Lancaster, California | Public | avc.edu |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) |
Other Award
|
8 | Rome, Georgia | Public | gntc.edu |
| Elgin Community College (ECC) |
Associate's
|
8 | Elgin, Illinois | Public | elgin.edu |
| CUNY Medgar Evers College (MEC) |
Associate's
|
7 | Brooklyn, New York | Public | mec.cuny.edu |
| Coalinga College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
6 | Coalinga, California | Public | westhillscollege.com |
| Kishwaukee College (Kish) |
Other Award
|
6 | Malta, Illinois | Public | kish.edu |
| Central Lakes College (CLC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Brainerd, Minnesota | Public | clcmn.edu |
| Chabot College (CC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
5 | Hayward, California | Public | chabotcollege.edu |
| Waubonsee Community College |
Other Award
|
5 | Sugar Grove, Illinois | Public | waubonsee.edu |
| Rio Salado College |
Other Award
|
4 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | rio.maricopa.edu |
| MiraCosta College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
4 | Oceanside, California | Public | miracosta.edu |
| Westmoreland County Community College |
Other Award
|
4 | Youngwood, Pennsylvania | Public | westmoreland.edu |
| Edmonds College |
Other Award
|
4 | Lynnwood, Washington | Public | edmonds.edu |
| Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Santa Rosa, California | Public | santarosa.edu |
| Sierra College |
Other Award
|
3 | Rocklin, California | Public | sierracollege.edu |
| Temple College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
3 | Temple, Texas | Public | templejc.edu |
| Glendale Community College (GCC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Glendale, Arizona | Public | gccaz.edu |
| Phoenix College (PC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Phoenix, Arizona | Public | phoenixcollege.edu |
| Palo Verde College (PVC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Blythe, California | Public | paloverde.edu |
| Solano Community College |
Associate's
|
2 | Fairfield, California | Public | welcome.solano.edu |
| Montgomery College (MC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
2 | Rockville, Maryland | Public | montgomerycollege.edu |
| Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Boston, Massachusetts | Public | bhcc.edu |
| Northeast Community College |
Other Award
|
2 | Norfolk, Nebraska | Public | northeast.edu |
| Dickinson State University (DSU) |
Other Award
|
2 | Dickinson, North Dakota | Public | dickinsonstate.edu |
| Butler County Community College (BC3) |
Other Award
|
2 | Butler, Pennsylvania | Public | bc3.edu |
| South Mountain Community College (SMCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Phoenix, Arizona | Public | southmountaincc.edu |
| American River College (ARC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Sacramento, California | Public | arc.losrios.edu |
| Cypress College |
Other Award
|
1 | Cypress, California | Public | cypresscollege.edu |
| Glendale Community College (GCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Glendale, California | Public | glendale.edu |
| Los Angeles City College (LACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Los Angeles, California | Public | lacitycollege.edu |
| San Diego City College |
Associate's
|
1 | San Diego, California | Public | sdcity.edu |
| Gwinnett College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Lilburn, Georgia | Private | gwinnettcollege.edu |
| Parkland College |
Associate's
|
1 | Champaign, Illinois | Public | parkland.edu |
| Sauk Valley Community College (SVCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Dixon, Illinois | Public | svcc.edu |
| Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | kvcc.edu |
| Atlantic Cape Community College |
Other Award
|
1 | Mays Landing, New Jersey | Public | atlanticcape.edu |
| Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania | Public | hacc.edu |
| Green River College (GRC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Auburn, Washington | Public | greenriver.edu |
| Copper Mountain Community College (CMC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Joshua Tree, California | Public | cmccd.edu |
| Blue Ridge Community and Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Martinsburg, West Virginia | Public | blueridgectc.edu |
| Moreno Valley College (MVC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Moreno Valley, California | Public | mvc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications programs
How much can I earn with a Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications degree?
Salaries for Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications graduates vary by role and location. Data Entry Keyers earn a median of $39,850 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $51,860 compared to $33,530 in Mississippi. Approximately 135,280 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications programs?
Currently 55 accredited institutions offer Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Diablo Valley College (DVC) (45 graduates), Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) (33 graduates), and Irvine Valley College (IVC) (31 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 3,112 in 2010 to a peak of 604 in 2020, before declining slightly to 414 in 2023-24. This represents a 87% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Data Entry Keyers. Related occupations employ approximately 135,280 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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