Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Lake Superior State University
Bachelor's Degree
lssu.eduAnalysis
Similar engineering programs across Michigan suggest first-year earnings around $80,000 against an estimated $26,000 in debtβa ratio that would make this one of the more financially sensible bachelor's degrees available. Electrical engineering typically delivers strong early-career returns, and these peer program figures align closely with both state and national medians for the field, indicating Lake Superior State likely fits within the mainstream rather than at either extreme.
The debt estimate, derived from comparable programs at similar Michigan institutions, sits just below the state median for engineering degrees. With a 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates from peer programs typically earn enough in their first year to cover their total debt about three times overβa healthy margin that leaves room for living expenses while making loan payments. The 68% admission rate suggests this program may be more accessible than Michigan's elite engineering schools, where competition is fiercer but outcomes appear only marginally better.
The challenge here is uncertainty. Because the actual graduate cohort was too small for the Department of Education to report specific outcomes, parents are relying on what similar programs produce rather than Lake Superior State's track record. If engineering is the right path and your student prefers a smaller program in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the estimated financial profile looks reasonable. Just recognize you're making this decision with less information than you'd have at schools with published outcomes.
Where Lake Superior State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,266 | $80,031* | β | $26,000* | β | |
| $17,228 | $87,606* | $97,459 | $18,667* | 0.21 | |
| $46,380 | $86,360* | $88,785 | $30,080* | 0.35 | |
| $15,988 | $83,874* | $93,400 | $22,500* | 0.27 | |
| $14,628 | $80,732* | β | $29,172* | 0.36 | |
| $41,872 | $80,671* | β | β* | β | |
| National Median | β | $77,710* | β | $24,989* | 0.32 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Aerospace Engineers
Electrical Engineers
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
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 12 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.