by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in General Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications covers Data Entry/microcomputer Applications, General. 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. Continue reading for the key facts every general data entry/microcomputer applications student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering general data entry/microcomputer applications programs.
In the U.S., general data entry/microcomputer applications is a widely-pursued major, with 414 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best General Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications Schools ranking analyzes these 55 schools to determine the best overall colleges for general data entry/microcomputer applications students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of general data entry/microcomputer applications programs later in this article.
Studies in General Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations general data entry/microcomputer applications graduates commonly enter.
The skill set emphasized by a general data entry/microcomputer applications program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a general data entry/microcomputer applications major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several general data entry/microcomputer applications degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 41 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 129 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 244 |
People currently working in careers related to general data entry/microcomputer applications tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 58.7% |
| Some college courses | 30.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 11.1% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in general data entry/microcomputer applications careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in general data entry/microcomputer applications can lead to numerous career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to general data entry/microcomputer applications.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to general data entry/microcomputer applications.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Data Entry Keyers | 418,460 | 10.1% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of general data entry/microcomputer applications graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $46,578 |
| 4 years | $35,013 |
| 5 years | $35,657 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for general data entry/microcomputer applications graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers general data entry/microcomputer applications grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Data Entry Keyers | $33,881 |
With 55 different general data entry/microcomputer applications programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased general data entry/microcomputer applications school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in general data entry/microcomputer applications, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Word Processing | 20 |
| Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications, Other | 2 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
