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Michigan Technological University delivers the strongest earning power among the state's computer science programs, with graduates averaging $75,047 annually while maintaining a net cost of just $15,729. This return on investment reflects Michigan's tech-forward economy, where automotive giants like Ford and GM increasingly hire software engineers for autonomous vehicle development and manufacturing automation. The earnings gap between schools proves substantial, with a $26,859 difference between the highest and lowest graduate salaries across the 19 programs analyzed. Public universities dominate the affordability market, claiming seven of the ten most affordable options, though private institutions like Calvin University achieve stronger graduation rates at 77.40% compared to the public average near 58%. Students benefit from Michigan's Achievement Scholarship covering up to $5,500 annually, making already affordable in-state tuition even more accessible for qualifying residents.
19
Programs
$12,280 – $33,995
Net Price Range
$63,021
Avg. Program Earnings
58.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,729 $75,047 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
2 $12,280 $54,869 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
3 $16,041 $66,105 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
4 $17,084 $62,209 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
5 $15,171 $54,644 $12,810 31.3% 36.7%
6 $18,701 $63,749 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
7 $24,783 $61,020 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
8 $33,092 $77,715 $46,380 70.5% 80.8%
9 $26,409 $50,856 $34,200 50.0% 70.2%
10 $33,995 $63,997 $41,872 62.6% 81.9%
11 $16,179 $32,300 68.1% 90.5%
12 $20,899 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
13 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
14 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
15 $21,504 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
16 $19,988 $23,324 49.5% 98.9%
17 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
18 $24,663 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%
19 $16,882 $55,746 57.1% 66.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Michigan Tech stand out for computer science value?

Michigan Tech graduates earn $75,047 annually while paying just $15,729 net cost, creating strong return on investment. The school maintains a 68.70% graduation rate with 93.68% acceptance rate, making it accessible yet effective. Its location in Houghton provides direct connections to Michigan's mining technology sector and automotive research facilities.

How do public and private school costs compare for CS programs?

Public schools average around $15,000 net cost while private institutions range from $15,171 to $33,995. University of Michigan-Flint offers the lowest net cost at $12,280, while Kettering University commands $33,092 but delivers the highest graduate earnings at $77,715. Private schools typically show higher graduation rates, with Calvin University reaching 77.40% compared to public averages near 60%.

Does graduation rate correlate with earnings in Michigan CS programs?

Schools with higher graduation rates generally produce better-earning graduates, though exceptions exist. Calvin University combines a 77.40% graduation rate with $61,020 average earnings, while Eastern Michigan's 45.50% rate still yields $62,209 earnings. Michigan Tech achieves both strong graduation rates at 68.70% and top earnings at $75,047.

Where do Michigan CS graduates find the best job opportunities?

Michigan's automotive corridor from Detroit to Grand Rapids offers abundant opportunities, with Ford, GM, and Stellantis hiring software engineers for connected vehicle technology. The state's growing healthcare tech sector and manufacturing automation industry provide additional career paths. Graduate earnings ranging from $50,856 to $77,715 reflect this varied employment market across different regions.

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