Best institutions to study Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications
A program that generally prepares individuals to perform basic data and text entry using standard and customized software products.
53 U.S. institutions graduated 520 Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 11.0601, a specialization of Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications (CIP 11.06), and leads most directly to the Data Entry Keyers occupation (BLS SOC 43-9021).
About Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications programs
A program that generally prepares individuals to perform basic data and text entry using standard and customized software products. Includes instruction in keyboarding skills, personal computer and work station operation, reading draft texts and raw data forms, audio and tape dictation, and various interactive software programs used for tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and others.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications program is designed for individuals seeking to develop essential skills in data entry and microcomputer applications. This program prepares students to perform basic data and text entry using various software products, making it ideal for those looking to enter the workforce in administrative and support roles within the computer and information sciences field.
Students will gain proficiency in keyboarding skills, personal computer operation, and the use of interactive software for tasks such as word processing and spreadsheets. Coursework emphasizes reading comprehension, critical thinking, and effective communication, equipping graduates with the necessary skills to succeed in data entry positions.
Credentials awarded
What Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year234 graduates / yr · 38 institutions45%
- Associate's degree129 graduates / yr · 21 institutions25%
- Award of less than 12 weeks119 graduates / yr · 3 institutions23%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years38 graduates / yr · 12 institutions7.3%
Graduates over time
Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1,467 |
| 2013 | 1,171 |
| 2014 | 1,340 |
| 2015 | 1,485 |
| 2016 | 1,586 |
| 2017 | 1,621 |
| 2018 | 1,415 |
| 2019 | 1,336 |
| 2020 | 604 |
| 2021 | 537 |
| 2022 | 475 |
| 2023 | 525 |
| 2024 | 414 |
| 2025 | 520 |
Top 50 institutions for Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vista Adult School Vista, CAPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 114 | — | — | — |
| 2 | Diablo Valley College Pleasant Hill, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 70 | 49% | — | — |
| 3 | Cerritos College Norwalk, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 36 | 31% | — | — |
| 4 | College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 26 | 25% | — | $45,016 |
| 5 | Irvine Valley College Irvine, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 23 | 57% | — | — |
| 6 | Santa Monica College Santa Monica, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 21 | 36% | — | — |
| 7 | McLennan Community College Waco, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 19 | 39% | — | — |
| 8 | Elgin Community College Elgin, ILPublicAssociate's | 18 | 41% | — | — |
| 9 | Lemoore College Lemoore, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 49% | — | — |
| 10 | Waubonsee Community College Sugar Grove, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 12 | 39% | — | — |
| 11 | Bellevue College Bellevue, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 12 | 36% | — | $48,416 |
| 12 | Lake Washington Institute of Technology Kirkland, WAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 12 | 37% | — | — |
| 13 | Central Lakes College - Brainerd Brainerd, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 53% | — | — |
| 14 | Antelope Valley Community College District Lancaster, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 34% | — | — |
| 15 | Coastline Community College Fountain Valley, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 34% | — | — |
| 16 | Coalinga College Coalinga, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 9 | 43% | — | — |
| 17 | Saddleback College Mission Viejo, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 8 | 48% | — | — |
| 18 | Kalamazoo Valley Community College Kalamazoo, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 28% | — | — |
| 19 | Clark College Vancouver, WAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 39% | — | — |
| 20 | Sacramento City College Sacramento, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 33% | — | — |
| 21 | Sierra College Rocklin, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 42% | — | — |
| 22 | South Georgia Technical College Americus, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 61% | — | — |
| 23 | Temple College Temple, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 5 | 32% | — | — |
| 24 | McHenry County College Crystal Lake, ILPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 4 | 37% | — | — |
| 25 | Bay de Noc Community College Escanaba, MIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 4 | 30% | — | — |
| 26 | CUNY Medgar Evers College Brooklyn, NYPublicAssociate's | 4 | 20% | — | — |
| 27 | Solano Community College Fairfield, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 3 | 36% | — | — |
| 28 | Lake Land College Mattoon, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 58% | — | — |
| 29 | Rio Salado College Tempe, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 9% | — | — |
| 30 | Chabot College Hayward, CAPublicAssociate's | 2 | 47% | — | — |
| 31 | Los Angeles City College Los Angeles, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 2 | 29% | — | — |
| 32 | MiraCosta College Oceanside, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 41% | — | — |
| 33 | Modesto Junior College Modesto, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 30% | — | — |
| 34 | Orange Coast College Costa Mesa, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 48% | — | — |
| 35 | Palo Verde College Blythe, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 31% | — | — |
| 36 | Southwestern College Chula Vista, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 35% | — | — |
| 37 | Kishwaukee College Malta, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 45% | — | — |
| 38 | Bunker Hill Community College Boston, MAPublicAssociate's | 2 | 13% | — | — |
| 39 | Yakima Valley College Yakima, WAPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 29% | — | — |
| 40 | Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Martinsburg, WVPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 2 | 32% | — | — |
| 41 | Moreno Valley College Moreno Valley, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 2 | 34% | — | — |
| 42 | American River College Sacramento, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 37% | — | — |
| 43 | Cerro Coso Community College Ridgecrest, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 25% | — | — |
| 44 | Mt San Antonio College Walnut, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 45% | — | — |
| 45 | San Diego City College San Diego, CAPublicAssociate's | 1 | 30% | — | — |
| 46 | San Joaquin Delta College Stockton, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 35% | — | — |
| 47 | Santa Rosa Junior College Santa Rosa, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 37% | — | — |
| 48 | Gwinnett College - Lilburn Lilburn, GAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 58% | $29,151 | — |
| 49 | Washtenaw Community College Ann Arbor, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 33% | — | — |
| 50 | Kent State University at Tuscarawas New Philadelphia, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 38% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications field (CIP 11.06) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 13 states
Where Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications graduates come from. Each state links to all Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 27 | 354 | Vista Adult School114 / yr |
| Illinois | 6 | 65 | College of DuPage26 / yr |
| Washington | 4 | 33 | Bellevue College12 / yr |
| Texas | 2 | 24 | McLennan Community College19 / yr |
| Michigan | 3 | 13 | Kalamazoo Valley Community College8 / yr |
| Minnesota | 1 | 11 | Central Lakes College - Brainerd11 / yr |
| Georgia | 2 | 6 | South Georgia Technical College5 / yr |
| New York | 1 | 4 | CUNY Medgar Evers College4 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 3 | 3 | Butler County Community College1 / yr |
| Arizona | 1 | 2 | Rio Salado College2 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 1 | 2 | Bunker Hill Community College2 / yr |
| West Virginia | 1 | 2 | Blue Ridge Community and Technical College2 / yr |
| Ohio | 1 | 1 | Kent State University at Tuscarawas1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 43-9021, Data Entry Keyers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications program can pursue careers as Data Entry Keyers. While the job outlook shows a decline of 25.9%, there are approximately 9,500 annual openings in this field. The median wage for this occupation is $39,850, with a typical education requirement of a high school diploma or equivalent.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 11.0601
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Data Entry Keyersprimary SOC 43-9021 | $41,340 | -25.9% Decline | ~9,500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Locate and correct data entry errors, or report them to supervisors.
- Compile, sort, and verify the accuracy of data before it is entered.
- Compare data with source documents, or re-enter data in verification format to detect errors.
- Store completed documents in appropriate locations.
- Select materials needed to complete work assignments.
- Read source documents such as canceled checks, sales reports, or bills, and enter data in specific data fields or onto tapes or disks for subsequent entry, using keyboards or scanners.
Tools and technology used
Other Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications specializations
The 2 other 6-digit CIP codes under Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications (CIP 11.06).
Common questions
What is the duration of the program?+
The program offers awards of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I learn?+
You will learn keyboarding, data verification, and software application skills.
What types of jobs can I get after graduation?+
You can work as a Data Entry Keyer or in other administrative support roles.
What is the job outlook for data entry positions?+
The job outlook is declining, with a median wage of $39,850.
What is the CIP code for Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications?+
Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications is CIP 11.0601 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications (CIP 11.06). NCES defines it as: A program that generally prepares individuals to perform basic data and text entry using standard and customized software products. Includes instruction in keyboarding skills, personal computer and work station operation, reading draft texts and raw data forms, audio and tape dictation, and various interactive software programs used for tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and others.
How many institutions offer Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications programs?+
53 U.S. institutions reported Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 13 states, awarding 520 credentials in the year. That is 94.5% of all Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications graduates.
How much do Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Data Entry Keyers occupation, which Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications most directly leads to, pays a median of $41,340 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications field report median earnings of $48,416 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license. This specialization accounts for nearly all Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications graduates, so its figures match the Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications program page.
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