Analysis
Michigan's computer engineering programs cluster tightly around $80,000 in first-year earnings, and University of Detroit Mercy appears to land right in that middle tier—alongside Grand Valley State and just below Michigan State. With estimated debt around $26,000, graduates would face monthly loan payments of roughly $290, manageable on an engineering salary that typically starts near the state median.
What makes this estimate reasonably reliable is the consistency across Michigan's computer engineering programs. Seven schools in the state report outcomes, and the spread isn't dramatic—even flagship Michigan's premium amounts to about $12,000 more annually. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 suggests that similar programs produce graduates who earn three dollars for every dollar borrowed, a solid foundation for loan repayment.
The uncertainty here matters less than it might in other fields because computer engineering outcomes tend to be stable and predictable. Whether your child ends up at the exact state median or slightly above or below it, they're likely looking at a viable investment. The real question is whether Detroit Mercy's smaller program size (which is why these figures are estimated rather than reported) represents an advantage in mentorship and attention or a disadvantage in recruiting connections—something campus visits and alumni conversations would clarify better than earnings data.
Where University of Detroit Mercy Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,300 | $80,746* | — | $26,146* | — | |
| $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 University of Detroit Mercy, approximately 25% 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 7 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.