Computer and Information Sciences at Saginaw Valley State University

Saginaw Valley State delivers solid computer science outcomes at a manageable cost, outperforming nearly two-thirds of similar programs nationally despite its open-access admissions profile. Starting salaries of $68,037 exceed the national median by over $6,700, and graduates carry debt 18% below the national average. Within Michigan, the program lands comfortably in the middle of the pack—behind the flagship universities but ahead of many peers—a reasonable position given SVSU's significantly lower selectivity compared to top-tier options.

The 13% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are establishing stable career trajectories, though they're not reaching the six-figure salaries that Michigan's elite programs produce. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means graduates need roughly five months of gross income to cover their loans—a manageable burden that leaves room for savings and major life purchases. For a family seeking a computer science degree without the intense competition or price tag of Ann Arbor, this program delivers professional-level outcomes.

The moderate sample size adds some uncertainty, but the fundamentals are clear: SVSU offers a legitimate path into tech careers at a price point that won't follow your child around for a decade. It won't unlock the same doors as Michigan's top programs, but it costs far less in both stress and money while still producing employable graduates.