Computer Programming at University of Michigan-Dearborn

With first-year earnings of $80,830 and manageable debt under $20,000, this program significantly outperforms the national Computer Programming landscape—it ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings while the typical program graduate earns just $50,000. That's a $30,000 premium right out of the gate. The 0.24 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in under three months of gross income, an exceptionally strong position that opens doors for early career mobility and financial flexibility.

The Michigan context reveals something important: UM-Dearborn matches the state median for this field, meaning it's competitive with other Michigan options while delivering substantially better outcomes than most programs nationwide. Four-year earnings climbing to $94,556 show solid career trajectory, and the moderate sample size suggests this is a stable, established program rather than a statistical fluke. For a campus with 59% admission rate serving a large Pell-eligible population, these outcomes demonstrate remarkable accessibility combined with genuine career preparation.

The tradeoff is clear: graduates here carry slightly more debt than the state average (though still well below national norms), but the strong earnings more than compensate. This is what smart value looks like—not the cheapest option, but one where the investment translates directly into earning power. For families weighing cost against outcomes, this program delivers tangible returns that justify the degree.