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Cheapest Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Michigan

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

University of Michigan-Dearborn delivers the state's most affordable Computer and Information Sciences program at just $10,904 net cost while preparing graduates who earn $69,338 annually. The $23,891 gap between cheapest and most expensive options reveals stark differences in Michigan's computer science market, where public universities dominate the affordable tier. Michigan's automotive giants like Ford and GM increasingly seek software engineers and data scientists to develop autonomous vehicles and smart manufacturing systems. Wayne State graduates command the highest starting salaries at $76,460, while University of Michigan-Ann Arbor produces the top-earning professionals at $94,281 despite its selective 17.69% acceptance rate. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship provides up to $5,500 for residents, making programs like Saginaw Valley State's $12,240 in-state tuition even more accessible. With tech employment growing 12% faster than the state average, graduates find opportunities in Detroit's emerging tech corridor and Grand Rapids' medical device companies.
20
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
2 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
3 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
4 $14,582 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
5 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
6 $14,832 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
7 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
8 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
9 $17,096 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
10 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
11 $17,485 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
12 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
13 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
14 $18,873 $58,764 81.7% 79.3%
15 $18,902 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
16 $20,751 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
17 $21,158 $33,076 37.0% 84.6%
18 $25,749 $40,420 82.3% 80.5%
19 $26,429 $33,000 61.1% 79.7%
20 $33,995 $41,872 62.6% 81.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Michigan-Dearborn the most affordable option?

University of Michigan-Dearborn offers the lowest net cost at $10,904 while maintaining strong graduate outcomes with 56.60% completion rates. The program benefits from the University of Michigan system's resources without the premium pricing of the Ann Arbor campus. Students pay $14,944 in-state tuition and graduate with median debt of $23,384. Graduates earn $69,338 annually, providing solid return on investment for the modest upfront costs.

How do earnings compare between Michigan's cheapest and most expensive programs?

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn $94,281 annually despite the program costing $14,832 net, while Northern Michigan University graduates earn $50,439 at $17,485 net cost. Wayne State University offers the best value proposition with graduates earning $76,460 for just $14,773 net cost. The $43,842 earnings gap between highest and lowest demonstrates how program reputation and location impact salary potential. Public universities generally provide better earnings-to-cost ratios than private institutions.

Is the Michigan Achievement Scholarship available for computer science students?

Yes, Michigan residents can receive up to $5,500 annually through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for computer science programs. This scholarship applies to in-state tuition at public universities, making schools like Saginaw Valley State even more affordable at $12,240 base tuition. Students must complete the FAFSA and meet academic requirements including a 2.5 GPA. The scholarship can be combined with other financial aid to further reduce net costs below published figures.

Does Michigan's automotive industry hire computer science graduates?

Michigan's automotive companies actively recruit computer science graduates for software development, autonomous vehicle programming, and manufacturing automation roles. Ford's Dearborn headquarters and GM's technical centers seek graduates skilled in artificial intelligence and embedded systems. Stellantis operates major software development facilities in Auburn Hills requiring cybersecurity and data analytics expertise. Starting salaries at automotive tech positions often exceed the state average of $69,338 for computer science graduates.

Where do the most selective Michigan computer science programs rank academically?

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor maintains the highest selectivity at 17.69% acceptance rate while achieving 93.20% graduation rates. Kalamazoo College follows with 79.25% acceptance and 81.70% graduation rates among private institutions. Grand Valley State University combines accessibility with strong outcomes at 90.37% acceptance and 68.60% graduation rates. These selective programs typically offer smaller class sizes and more research opportunities than open-access alternatives.

More Computer and Information Sciences, General Rankings

Best Value Computer and Information Sciences, General in Michigan Computer and Information Sciences, General Under $20,000 in Michigan

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All Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs Best Colleges in Michigan Best Computer and Information Sciences, General in Michigan

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