Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Oakland University

Oakland University's electrical engineering program produces graduates earning $80,623 in their first year—solid money that exceeds both the national and Michigan medians for this degree. With just $26,000 in typical debt, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, meaning they owe roughly four months' salary. That's a manageable starting point for a field known for strong earning potential.

What's particularly encouraging here is the growth trajectory: earnings climb to $91,496 by year four, a 14% increase that suggests graduates are advancing into more senior technical roles. Among Michigan's 16 electrical engineering programs, Oakland ranks in the 60th percentile—not elite, but comfortably ahead of the state median. The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Kettering lead the state, but Oakland's outcomes sit right in the cluster with Grand Valley State and Lawrence Tech, schools that also produce competent engineers.

For families looking at Oakland's 70% admission rate and accessible price point, this represents a straightforward value proposition: get an accredited engineering degree without breaking the bank, then watch your child's earnings grow as they gain experience. The debt load is reasonable, the starting salary covers it quickly, and the career trajectory looks healthy. It's not the prestige route, but it's the practical one that gets young engineers employed and earning.