Computer and Information Sciences at Ferris State University

Ferris State's Computer and Information Sciences program sits in an uncomfortable middle ground: it charges nearly as much debt as top-tier Michigan programs while delivering mid-pack outcomes. At $65,597 starting, graduates earn $1,700 less than the Michigan median and roughly $21,000 less than peers from Michigan State—a significant gap that compounds over time.

The flat earnings trajectory from year one to year four reveals the program's core limitation. While most CS graduates see substantial salary growth as they gain experience, Ferris grads appear to plateau immediately. This isn't necessarily a red flag for employability—the debt load of $27,813 remains manageable at 42% of first-year earnings—but it suggests graduates may be landing in support or implementation roles rather than development positions that typically offer stronger advancement. For context, this program ranks in just the 40th percentile among Michigan CS programs, meaning 60% of state alternatives deliver better outcomes.

Here's the practical calculation: if your child could attend a top Michigan public like MSU (where CS grads start at $86K) for similar in-state tuition, the choice seems clear. But if Ferris offers significantly more aid or your student needs a smaller campus environment in Big Rapids, the program won't bury them in debt. Just understand they're trading ceiling for accessibility—this leads to stable tech employment, not the high-growth career track that flagship programs typically provide.