by our College Data Analytics TeamDo you enjoy making spreadsheets? How about working with information in databases? A career in Data Entry / Microcomputer Applications might be the thing for you.
Classes will prepare students for a career in basic data and text entry through the use of specialized programs and software often found in the office setting. Classes include computer hardware, keyboarding, computer troubleshooting, and personal computer operation. These classes teach students how to maintaining and updating data sources.
Students have the option to major in General Data Entry for Microcomputer Applications or can specialize in areas, such as Word Processing. This program is often offered as an Associates, but is available as a Bachelors degree as well.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BS in Computer Science - Data Analysis
Build structured databases, explore big data and learn how to clean data in Southern New Hampshire University's online bachelor's in computer science with a concentration in data analysis.
BS in Information Technologies
Build the digital know-how required to become a leader in technology with this online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
AS in Information Technologies
Gain the specialized knowledge and critical-thinking skills required to begin a career in tech with this online associate degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
In 2021-2022, data entry was the 321st most popular major nationwide with 498 degrees awarded. Our 2025 Best Data Entry Schools ranking analyzes 2 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for data entry students. Explore this or one of our many other custom data entry rankings further below.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BS in Computer Science - Data Analysis
Build structured databases, explore big data and learn how to clean data in Southern New Hampshire University's online bachelor's in computer science with a concentration in data analysis.
BS in Information Technologies
Build the digital know-how required to become a leader in technology with this online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
AS in Information Technologies
Gain the specialized knowledge and critical-thinking skills required to begin a career in tech with this online associate degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
Those who go into Data Entry often are able to retain information and pay close attention to detail. As you transcribe information into spreadsheets, word documents, or databases, it is important that the information is correctly transferred. Successful professionals also have a background in applications such as Microsoft Office.
Jobs in Data Entry are often full time positions with a typical 40-hour workweek. Professionals may work in an office setting or have the option to work from home. Internships and summer jobs will give students experience in this field, but are not necessary for a successful career.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most data entry degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional data entry certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are many different data entry degree levels. Data Entry programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest data entry degree you can get. Data Entry programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
An associate degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to data entry, with approximately 7.1% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for data entry workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma | 53.5% |
| Some College Courses | 39.6% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 6.2% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 1.2% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in data entry careers have.
The education level required is different depending on the data entry career you are seeking.
Graduates with a degree in Data Entry often work in offices compiling different types of data. Common data entry jobs are in law and medical offices. Graduates have also found jobs in offices updating databases or maintaining spreadsheets. With the advancements in technology, jobs within data entry are decreasing at an average rate. This may make finding a job difficult for graduates.
Want a job when you graduate with your data entry degree?
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to data entry.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Data Entry Keyers | 160,600 | -21.2% |
| Word Processors and Typists | 50,100 | -33.1% |
BA in Information Technologies
Gain a well-rounded education while preparing for a career in IT with this online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
To stay competitive in today's information technology world, employees need to have training that goes beyond traditional computer programming and IT expertise.
BS in Information Technologies - Data Analytics
Learn to leverage data and develop innovative practices, products and processes with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
Data Entry graduates between <nil> reported earning an average of $48,416 in the <nil> timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $45,016 to as high as $48,416. As you might expect, salaries for data entry graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for data entry graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers data entry grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Word Processors and Typists | $41,160 |
| Data Entry Keyers | $33,740 |
With over 198 different data entry degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased data entry school rankings to help you with this.
Data Entry is one of 10 different types of Computer & Information Sciences programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications | 475 |
| Word Processing | 21 |
| Other Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications | 2 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Information Systems | 91,113 |
| Computer Science | 60,631 |
| Information Technology | 42,900 |
| Information Science | 17,504 |
| Computer Software & Applications | 14,312 |
