Computer Software and Media Applications at Baker College

Baker College's software program shows promising earnings growth but starts from a surprisingly weak position. While four-year earnings of $71,920 look respectable and beat the national benchmark, the first-year figure of $41,784 places this program in just the 10th percentile among Michigan's six software programs—meaning nine out of ten comparable programs in the state launch graduates into stronger positions. For context, Michigan's median for this degree is $69,950, nearly 70% higher than Baker's first-year outcome. The state's top program at U-M Ann Arbor starts graduates at $98,117.

The debt situation compounds this concern: at $49,189, graduates carry nearly twice the state median and almost double the national benchmark of $27,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.18 means a typical graduate owes more than a full year's starting salary. The 72% earnings jump by year four suggests either delayed career launches or significant advancement potential, but parents should ask why peer programs start so much stronger.

The very small sample size (under 30 graduates) makes these numbers less reliable than data from larger programs. Still, for Michigan families who could access stronger in-state software programs—even at regional universities—the combination of weak initial placement and above-average debt makes this a questionable choice unless specific circumstances justify it.