Computer Programming at Davenport University

This program's estimated first-year earnings of $50,242 lag significantly behind Michigan's typical outcomes for computer programming degrees, which cluster around $81,000—a gap of more than $30,000. While graduates do see growth to $73,487 by year four, that's still below what many Michigan programs deliver right out of the gate. The estimated debt load of $31,050 is also higher than the state median of $19,723, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 remains manageable by national standards.

The limitations here matter: we're working with national estimates for both earnings and debt since this program's graduate cohort was too small for the DOE to publish specific numbers. What we know with certainty is that Michigan has a competitive tech job market, and the University of Michigan-Dearborn's programming graduates earn $81,000 in their first year. Whether Davenport's smaller program connects students to the same employer networks or curriculum rigor that drive those outcomes is the critical unknown.

For a parent evaluating this investment, the key question is whether Davenport's specific advantages—perhaps smaller classes, flexibility, or career support—justify outcomes that appear to underperform state peers. At 97% admission and serving a substantial Pell-eligible population, the school may offer access others don't, but you'll want concrete evidence that graduates land jobs comparable to stronger-performing Michigan programs before committing.