Computer Software and Media Applications at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

At nearly $100,000 straight out of college, Michigan's software program delivers earnings that dwarf both the state median ($69,950) and national figures ($38,234)—we're talking about graduates earning 40% more than the typical Michigan counterpart in this field. The 80th percentile state ranking confirms this isn't just good; it's among the elite options for software education in Michigan.

The debt picture adds to the appeal: $19,769 is roughly half what students typically borrow for this degree statewide ($34,479). That 0.20 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can reasonably pay off their loans in under three months of gross salary—a financing structure that few programs can match. The only wrinkle is that debt sits at the 86th percentile nationally, suggesting many comparable programs elsewhere require even less borrowing, though few combine it with such strong earnings.

For families weighing Michigan's competitive admission process (18% acceptance rate), this program justifies the effort. You're looking at immediate post-graduation earnings that place graduates in the top 5% nationally for this degree, with manageable debt that won't constrain early career choices. If your child can get in and wants to work in software, this represents one of Michigan's clearest return-on-investment propositions.