Est. Earnings (1yr)
$80,031
Est. from MI median (12 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from MI median (9 programs)

Analysis

Similar engineering programs across Michigan suggest first-year earnings around $80,000 against an estimated $26,000 in debtβ€”a 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 overβ€”a 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)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Lake Superior State UniversitySault Ste Marie$14,266$80,031*β€”$26,000*β€”
University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor$17,228$87,606*$97,459$18,667*0.21
Kettering UniversityFlint$46,380$86,360*$88,785$30,080*0.35
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing$15,988$83,874*$93,400$22,500*0.27
Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale$14,628$80,732*β€”$29,172*0.36
Lawrence Technological UniversitySouthfield$41,872$80,671*β€”β€”*β€”
National Medianβ€”$77,710*β€”$24,989*0.32
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications 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

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electrical Engineers

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists

Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.

$118,780/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:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

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.