Analysis
Lawrence Tech's computer engineering program appears positioned in the middle tier of Michigan offerings, with peer programs in the state suggesting around $80,746 in first-year earnings—roughly on par with the national median for this field. At an estimated $26,146 in debt, graduates would face monthly payments of about $290, consuming just 4% of their gross income. That's a manageable load by any standard, particularly in a technical field where earnings typically grow steadily in the early career years.
What's less certain is how Lawrence Tech specifically stacks up against Michigan's powerhouses. The state's top programs—Michigan, MSU, and Kettering—report outcomes ranging from $82,580 to $92,501, and while $10,000-12,000 annual differences may not sound dramatic, they compound significantly over a career. Similar programs across Michigan vary enough that understanding Lawrence Tech's actual placement network and employer relationships matters considerably. The school's 80% admission rate and relatively low Pell enrollment (17%) suggest it serves a different student population than Michigan's public flagships, which could mean different outcomes than the state average implies.
For families evaluating this investment, the estimated debt-to-earnings picture looks reasonable—but recognize you're making decisions with limited visibility into this specific program's track record. If your child has admission offers from schools with reported data showing stronger outcomes, those merit serious consideration given the long-term earnings implications in engineering.
Where Lawrence Technological 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,872 | $80,746* | — | $26,146* | — | |
| $17,228 | $92,501* | $107,608 | $20,500* | 0.22 | |
| $15,988 | $83,934* | $92,342 | $24,999* | 0.30 | |
| $46,380 | $82,580* | — | $29,984* | 0.36 | |
| $14,628 | $80,746* | — | $26,676* | 0.33 | |
| $14,944 | $79,022* | $85,731 | $25,327* | 0.32 | |
| National Median | — | $78,952* | — | $24,500* | 0.31 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
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 Lawrence Technological 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.
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.