Computer Science at Lawrence Technological University

Lawrence Tech's Computer Science program lands squarely in the middle of Michigan's CS offerings, with graduates earning $67,392 initially—just below the state median of $67,616. While that starting salary trails schools like Kettering ($83,751) by a significant margin, the debt load of $27,000 is actually quite manageable, putting students in the 18th percentile nationally (meaning 82% of CS programs saddle students with more debt). That 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, well within the comfort zone for tech careers.

The trajectory looks solid: earnings jump 31% to $88,353 by year four, suggesting graduates land roles with real growth potential. However, take these numbers cautiously—the sample size is under 30 graduates, so a few high or low earners could skew the picture considerably. The program sits at the 40th percentile among Michigan schools and 42nd nationally, which is notably mediocre for a computer science degree at a technology-focused university.

For parents, this is a reasonable choice if your child prefers a smaller school environment and can keep costs down through scholarships or in-state rates. The debt burden won't be crushing, and CS careers generally offer strong long-term prospects regardless of where you start. But if placement in high-paying tech jobs is the priority, the top programs in Michigan show there's room for better outcomes with similar debt levels.