Est. Earnings (1yr)
$80,746
Est. from MI median (7 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,726
Est. from MI median (6 programs)

Analysis

Drawing from other Michigan computer engineering programs, Lake Superior State's Bachelor's appears positioned in the middle of the state's range—between flagship programs earning above $90,000 and lower-tier options in the high $70,000s. The estimated first-year earnings of roughly $81,000 and median debt around $26,000 produce a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, which is manageable for an engineering degree and slightly below what most computer engineering graduates carry nationally.

The reality here is that Michigan's computer engineering market offers fairly consistent outcomes whether students attend a flagship or a regional university, with most programs clustering in the $80,000-$83,000 range. This suggests employers value the technical credential more than the institutional brand. For a family considering Lake Superior State specifically, the 68% admission rate makes it accessible, though the lack of reported data means we're inferring outcomes from peer schools rather than tracking this program's actual graduates.

The financial math works if those estimates hold—less than four months of salary to cover the debt burden is reasonable for engineering. But recognize you're making this decision with borrowed data from similar programs across Michigan, not from evidence of where Lake Superior State's own computer engineering graduates land. If location in the Upper Peninsula fits your family's needs and the engineering curriculum is solid, the estimated numbers suggest acceptable risk.

Where Lake Superior State University Stands

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

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 Debt*Debt/Earnings
Lake Superior State UniversitySault Ste Marie$14,266$80,746*$25,726*
University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor$17,228$92,501*$107,608$20,500*0.22
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing$15,988$83,934*$92,342$24,999*0.30
Kettering UniversityFlint$46,380$82,580*$29,984*0.36
Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale$14,628$80,746*$26,676*0.33
University of Michigan-DearbornDearborn$14,944$79,022*$85,731$25,327*0.32
National Median$78,952*$24,500*0.31
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Lake Superior State University, approximately 29% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 7 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.