Computer Engineering at University of Michigan-Dearborn

With a small sample size clouding the picture, UM-Dearborn's computer engineering program shows solidly middle-of-the-pack results. Starting salaries around $79,000 land right at the national median but trail several Michigan competitors—notably the Ann Arbor flagship by $13,000 and even nearby Oakland University by about $4,000. That 40th percentile ranking among Michigan programs matters here, since you're paying similar in-state tuition regardless of which campus you choose.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 is reasonable, meaning graduates can realistically manage their $25,000 in loans on engineering salaries. Earnings growth to $85,700 by year four suggests steady career progression, though nothing spectacular. The catch is that "under 30 graduates" qualifier—these numbers could shift significantly with a larger cohort, making them less reliable than data from bigger programs.

For parents weighing options, this becomes a question of access versus optimization. If your student gained admission to Ann Arbor's engineering program, the $13,000 salary advantage makes that choice clear. But UM-Dearborn's 59% admission rate makes it more accessible, and the program delivers legitimate engineering outcomes at in-state prices. Just recognize you're likely trading some earning potential for admissions certainty, and these specific numbers deserve extra scrutiny given the small sample.