Analysis
Computer science graduates in Michigan face significant variation in outcomes—from $113,000 at Michigan's flagship down to programs earning half that. Based on comparable programs statewide, a Siena Heights computer science degree appears to track near the Michigan median of $67,287, placing it solidly in the middle tier but well behind the state's stronger programs. With estimated debt around $26,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 suggests manageable repayment, though the earnings gap matters: Michigan State graduates earning $86,000 will pay off similar debt loads far faster.
The practical question is career trajectory. Entry-level tech roles at $67,000 aren't problematic if they lead somewhere, but peer programs at Wayne State or Grand Valley produce 10-15% higher starting salaries while charging similar tuition. For a student admitted to multiple programs, that difference compounds over time. Siena Heights serves its community well—a 67% admission rate and significant Pell enrollment suggest accessibility—but families should verify whether this specific program connects students to Michigan's tech employers as effectively as larger universities with established recruiting pipelines.
The estimation uncertainty cuts both ways: actual outcomes could be better or worse than these peer-based projections. Before committing, ask the school directly about graduate placement rates, where alumni land their first jobs, and whether the program maintains industry connections in Detroit or Grand Rapids tech hubs.
Where Siena Heights University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29,778 | $67,287* | — | $25,860* | — | |
| $17,228 | $113,634* | $135,625 | $20,000* | 0.18 | |
| $15,988 | $86,192* | $94,016 | $24,022* | 0.28 | |
| $14,297 | $77,371* | $98,072 | $20,672* | 0.27 | |
| $14,944 | $77,273* | $91,152 | $25,000* | 0.32 | |
| $14,628 | $74,360* | $83,360 | $27,000* | 0.36 | |
| National Median | — | $61,322* | — | $25,000* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
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 Siena Heights University, approximately 31% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 14 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.