Computer and Information Sciences at Michigan State University

Michigan State's computer science graduates earn $86,192 in their first year—40% above the national median and significantly higher than most Michigan programs except University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. At the 80th percentile statewide, MSU sits comfortably in the top tier of Michigan tech programs, beating out respected competitors like Grand Valley State and Wayne State. The $24,022 debt load is actually lower than typical for this major, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.28—meaning graduates earn their entire debt back in roughly three months.

The comparison to U-M Ann Arbor is worth noting: those graduates earn about $27,000 more initially, but MSU's 84% admission rate makes it far more accessible while still delivering elite-level outcomes. For families weighing prestige against practical results, MSU offers 95th percentile national earnings without the admissions gauntlet. The 9% earnings growth to year four suggests stable career progression in a field known for strong mid-career trajectories.

The bottom line: MSU delivers what parents want from a computer science degree—immediate high earnings, manageable debt, and strong positioning for long-term tech careers. Unless your child can get into Ann Arbor (and even then, the $27K difference may not justify the added selectivity stress), this represents one of Michigan's best tech education values.