Location: Flint, MI•In-State Tuition: $46,380•Admission Rate: 79%•Avg SAT: 1219
Median Earnings (1yr)
$82,580
68th percentile
60th percentile in Michigan
Median Debt
$29,984
22% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.36 ManageableSample: 25 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Kettering's computer engineering graduates start at $82,580—outearning the typical Michigan grad by about $2,000 and sitting comfortably in the top third nationally. The $30,000 debt load is among the lowest you'll find anywhere, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio that makes this one of the more manageable financial outcomes in engineering. For comparison, Michigan State achieves similar earnings with comparable debt, though their brand recognition carries wider.

The cautionary note here is the sample size: fewer than 30 recent graduates means these numbers could shift significantly with the next cohort. Kettering's cooperative education model—students alternate between classroom and paid industry work—likely explains both the strong starting salaries and the relatively manageable debt (co-op earnings help offset costs). However, the school's focus on automotive and manufacturing sectors in Flint means career trajectories may differ from graduates heading to tech hubs.

For a student committed to hands-on engineering in manufacturing or automotive industries, this delivers competitive earnings with genuinely lower debt than most programs. Just recognize you're looking at a specialized, work-integrated model rather than a traditional campus experience, and the small program size means less data to confirm consistency.

Where Kettering University Stands

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

Kettering UniversityOther computer engineering programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Kettering University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Kettering University earns $83k — 68th percentile among computer engineering bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (12 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Kettering UniversityFlint$46,380$82,580—$29,9840.36
University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor$17,228$92,501$107,608$20,5000.22
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing$15,988$83,934$92,342$24,9990.30
Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale$14,628$80,746—$26,6760.33
University of Michigan-DearbornDearborn$14,944$79,022$85,731$25,3270.32
Oakland UniversityRochester Hills$14,694$78,709$92,554$26,1250.33
National Median—$78,952—$24,5000.31

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor'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

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/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

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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 Kettering University, approximately 17% 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 25 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.