Best Value Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Michigan

Michigan's computer science graduates see earnings ranging from $50,439 at Northern Michigan University to an impressive $94,281 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, creating one of the widest salary gaps in the nation. While most public universities keep net costs under $18,000, the state's automotive giants like GM and Ford increasingly recruit computer science talent for their electric vehicle and autonomous driving initiatives. University of Michigan-Dearborn offers the lowest net cost at just $10,904 while still producing graduates who earn $69,338 annually. The state's tech sector growth means computer science majors can find opportunities beyond traditional automotive roles, with healthcare systems and fintech companies expanding rapidly across Detroit and Grand Rapids. Michigan's Achievement Scholarship adds up to $5,500 for in-state students, making these already affordable programs even more accessible.

Programs

$10,904 – $33,995

Net Price Range

$65,467

Avg. Program Earnings

61.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Michigan-Dearborn Dearborn, Michigan	$10,904	$69,338	$14,944	56.6%	54.1%
2	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, Michigan	$14,832	$94,281	$17,228	93.2%	17.7%
3	Wayne State University Detroit, Michigan	$14,773	$76,460	$14,297	56.5%	75.3%
4	Oakland University Rochester Hills, Michigan	$13,584	$68,305	$14,694	56.9%	90.1%
5	Ferris State University Big Rapids, Michigan	$12,202	$51,607	$13,630	47.9%	87.9%
6	Saginaw Valley State University University Center, Michigan	$14,582	$59,169	$12,240	53.8%	76.4%
7	Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, Michigan	$16,041	$63,430	$14,190	61.8%	79.0%
8	Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, Michigan	$17,084	$67,101	$15,510	45.5%	83.2%
9	Grand Valley State University Allendale, Michigan	$17,096	$65,969	$14,628	68.6%	90.4%
10	Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan	$20,751	$75,291	$15,988	82.2%	88.0%
11	Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, Michigan	$18,701	$55,422	$15,298	57.8%	84.6%
12	Northern Michigan University Marquette, Michigan	$17,485	$50,439	$13,304	50.8%	70.6%
13	Northwood University Midland, Michigan	$26,429	$62,409	$33,000	61.1%	79.7%
14	Lawrence Technological University Southfield, Michigan	$33,995	$57,318	$41,872	62.6%	81.9%
15	Kalamazoo College Kalamazoo, Michigan	$18,873		$58,764	81.7%	79.3%
16	The University of Olivet Olivet, Michigan	$21,158		$33,076	37.0%	84.6%
17	Hope College Holland, Michigan	$25,749		$40,420	82.3%	80.5%
18	Siena Heights University Adrian, Michigan	$17,185		$29,778	51.1%	65.0%
19	Aquinas College Grand Rapids, Michigan	$18,902		$38,520	62.5%	90.8%
20	Andrews University Berrien Springs, Michigan	$18,597		$33,710	65.9%	91.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Michigan-Ann Arbor worth the higher cost for computer science?

Despite a net cost of $14,832, UM-Ann Arbor graduates earn $94,281 annually, nearly $25,000 more than the next highest earner. The 93.20% graduation rate means students actually finish their degrees, and the 17.69% acceptance rate reflects the program's selectivity. The return on investment becomes clear when considering that graduates earn nearly double what they paid for their education within the first year.

How do Michigan's public universities compare for computer science value?

University of Michigan-Dearborn leads in pure value with a $10,904 net cost and $69,338 graduate earnings. Wayne State follows with similar costs at $14,773 but higher earnings of $76,460. Oakland University charges $13,584 but graduates earn $68,305, while Ferris State offers the second-lowest cost at $12,202 though earnings drop to $51,607.

Is the computer science job market strong in Michigan?

Michigan's automotive industry transformation creates high demand for computer science graduates, particularly in electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology. Companies like GM and Ford actively recruit for software engineering, data analysis, and AI development roles. The state's growing healthcare and fintech sectors in Detroit and Grand Rapids also provide expanding opportunities beyond traditional automotive applications.

Does graduate debt significantly impact the value proposition?

Most Michigan computer science graduates maintain manageable debt loads between $18,750 and $29,646. Wayne State graduates carry the lowest average debt at $18,750 while earning $76,460, creating an excellent debt-to-income ratio. Even Western Michigan University graduates with higher debt of $29,646 still earn $55,422 annually, keeping payments reasonable relative to starting salaries.

What financial aid helps Michigan computer science students?

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship provides up to $5,500 annually for in-state students, significantly reducing already low public university costs. This scholarship can cut University of Michigan-Dearborn's net cost to around $5,400, making it exceptionally affordable. Combined with typical financial aid packages, most students at public universities pay well under $20,000 annually while preparing for careers averaging $60,000 to $90,000.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.