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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18,392 | $77,465 | $94,603 | $27,000 | 0.35 | |
| $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 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.