Computer and Information Sciences at Walsh College

Walsh College's Computer Science program starts significantly behind Michigan peers—$54,929 in first-year earnings ranks in just the 25th percentile statewide, roughly $12,000 below the state median and less than half what Michigan-Ann Arbor grads earn. However, the trajectory matters here: by year four, earnings jump 53% to nearly $84,000, closing much of that initial gap and approaching the mid-career numbers from larger state universities.

The financial risk is minimal with just $14,889 in typical debt—far below both the $25,000 national average and Michigan's $25,625 median. That low debt load means graduates carry a 0.27 debt-to-earnings ratio even with the modest starting salary, giving them breathing room while they build experience. The real question is whether the slower start reflects employer preferences for graduates from Michigan's flagship programs or simply the types of tech roles Walsh graduates pursue initially.

The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making it statistically fragile. A few outliers could swing these numbers considerably. For a parent weighing this against alternatives, the light debt burden provides downside protection, but the weak initial placement compared to other Michigan options suggests your student may need to work harder early in their career to reach competitive compensation levels.