Information Science/Studies at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Information Science program posts first-year earnings of $88,515—roughly $21,000 above the Michigan median and an impressive $30,000 above the national figure. Within Michigan's small but competitive field of IS programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, essentially matching Grand Valley State's outcomes while significantly outpacing U-M Flint. The $20,875 in median debt sits well below both state and national averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.24. Your child would earn more than four times their debt in the first year alone.

The 13% earnings growth to nearly $100,000 by year four suggests graduates secure positions with genuine advancement potential, likely in tech roles at major Michigan employers or beyond. At a highly selective institution (18% admission rate), this program delivers exactly what parents hope for: elite university credentials paired with practical career preparation that translates to immediate earning power.

The tradeoff is straightforward—this requires admission to one of the country's most competitive public universities. But for students who get in, the combination of manageable debt and top-tier starting salaries makes this one of the strongest IS programs in the Midwest. The robust sample size confirms these aren't outlier results; this is the consistent trajectory for U-M IS graduates.