Median Earnings (1yr)
$77,465
45th percentile
40th percentile in Michigan
Median Debt
$27,000
10% above national median

Analysis

Michigan Tech's computer engineering graduates start at $77,465—slightly below both the national and Michigan medians—but they're carrying just $27,000 in debt, which ranks in the 5th percentile nationally. That's an excellent debt position, meaning these graduates owe roughly three months of their first-year salary. Among Michigan's dozen computer engineering programs, this one ranks in the 40th percentile, landing below flagships like U-M Ann Arbor ($92,501) and Michigan State ($83,934), but the debt advantage helps offset the earnings gap.

The 22% earnings growth to $94,603 by year four is solid and typical for engineering fields. While this program doesn't produce the highest earners in Michigan's computer engineering landscape, the combination of manageable debt and steady salary progression creates a workable financial picture. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests reliable data without being too small to draw conclusions.

For families considering Michigan Tech, this represents a safe bet rather than a standout opportunity. Your child will graduate with minimal debt burden and enter the job market at respectable engineering salaries, even if they're not commanding top-of-market offers. If choosing between Michigan schools and finances are a priority, the low debt here could make this a smarter choice than higher-earning programs that come with significantly more borrowing.

Where Michigan Technological University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Michigan Technological University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Michigan Technological University$77,465$94,603+22%
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor$92,501$107,608+16%
Oakland University$78,709$92,554+18%
Michigan State University$83,934$92,342+10%
University of Michigan-Dearborn$79,022$85,731+8%

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (12 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Michigan Technological UniversityHoughton$18,392$77,465$94,603$27,0000.35
University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor$17,228$92,501$107,608$20,5000.22
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing$15,988$83,934$92,342$24,9990.30
Kettering UniversityFlint$46,380$82,580$29,9840.36
Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale$14,628$80,746$26,6760.33
University of Michigan-DearbornDearborn$14,944$79,022$85,731$25,3270.32
National Median$78,952$24,5000.31

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer 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

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/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:
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 Michigan Technological University, approximately 18% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 88 graduates with reported earnings and 94 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.