Location: Owosso, MI•In-State Tuition: $12,810•Admission Rate: 88%•Avg SAT: 1080
Median Earnings (1yr)
$67,839
43rd percentile
60th percentile in Michigan
Median Debt
$38,134
63% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.56 ManageableSample: 44 graduates

Analysis

Baker College graduates start strong with nearly $68,000 in first-year earnings—actually beating Michigan's median for computer science programs and landing them in the 60th percentile statewide. But there's an unusual wrinkle: earnings dip slightly by year four rather than climbing. This isn't a crisis (we're talking a 3% decline, not a collapse), but computer science typically shows robust salary growth as developers gain experience. The pattern suggests graduates may be landing decent entry-level positions but perhaps not at companies with strong advancement tracks.

The debt picture offers genuine relief. At $38,000, Baker College sits in the 5th percentile nationally for program debt—meaning 95% of computer science programs leave students with more to pay back. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56, graduates should be able to manage payments comfortably even if their salaries plateau. Compare this to programs charging similar amounts but producing earnings in the $50,000 range, and the value becomes clearer.

For Michigan families looking at more accessible computer science options, this delivers solid ROI despite the modest earnings trajectory. You're getting respectable starting salaries with significantly less debt than competitors like Michigan Tech ($27,500 median debt) or Calvin ($23,374). The open admission and reasonable costs make this a practical entry point to tech careers, even if it won't land your child at Google's headquarters.

Where Baker College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally

Baker CollegeOther computer science programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Baker College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Baker College earns $68k — 43th percentile among computer science bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Baker College$67,839$65,962-3%
Kettering University$83,751$91,590+9%
Michigan Technological University$69,910$90,596+30%
Central Michigan University$74,135$89,004+20%
Lawrence Technological University$67,392$88,353+31%

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (19 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Baker CollegeOwosso$12,810$67,839$65,962$38,1340.56
Kettering UniversityFlint$46,380$83,751$91,590$27,5000.33
Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant$14,190$74,135$89,004$27,0000.36
Calvin UniversityGrand Rapids$38,670$73,145$84,959$19,0000.26
Michigan Technological UniversityHoughton$18,392$69,910$90,596$24,7630.35
Lawrence Technological UniversitySouthfield$41,872$67,392$88,353$27,0000.40
National Median—$70,950—$23,3740.33

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Baker College, approximately 38% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 44 graduates with reported earnings and 48 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.