Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Michigan Technological University

Michigan Tech's IT management program produces impressive starting salaries—$77,810 puts graduates well ahead of other Michigan programs, besting even Eastern Michigan by more than $18,000. That's 80th percentile performance within the state and 95th percentile nationally, strong outcomes from a university with an 88% admission rate. At $27,000 in median debt, graduates face a manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they could theoretically pay off loans in about four months of gross income.

The caveat here is meaningful: with fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset, these numbers might not represent what your child would experience. Small programs can be heavily influenced by a few exceptional outcomes or unusual career paths. The nearly flat earnings growth from year one to year four (just 2%) also raises questions about whether starting salaries represent actual career trajectory or possibly a few graduates landing unusually strong positions.

For families prioritizing technical education and willing to move to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this program shows strong potential. The combination of solid starting pay and modest debt creates real financial breathing room. Just recognize that the small cohort size means outcomes could vary considerably, and you should talk to current students about job placement patterns before banking on these numbers.