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Computer Programming at University of Michigan-Dearborn

Dearborn, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
82 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
85
Optimistic
82
Base Case
75
Pessimistic
Earnings $80,830/yr (37% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (78% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (162,300 openings/yr)
ROI 16.9x earnings multiple (8.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 31 Computer Programming programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Programming graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,116K $1,012K $751K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.7x 16.9x 12.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.9x 8.1x 6.0x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 67% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 85 82 75

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,776
Out-of-state: $125,440 (8.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$43,616
27% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,502
2.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$117,020
45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $80,830 put University of Michigan-Dearborn's Computer Programming program 37% above the national median of $59,149 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Programming programs nationally.

The 33% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 78% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Programming graduates.

With first-year pay of $80,830 far exceeding the $18,502 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #1 of 31 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Programming program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $80,830 to $117,020 over five years — a 45% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Michigan-Dearborn

A 59% admission rate makes University of Michigan-Dearborn accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a mid-sized student body of 5,882 in Dearborn, MI. Pell Grant recipients make up 44% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Dearborn →

Top Career Paths

Software developers $133,080/yr
Software quality assurance analysts and testers $102,610/yr
Computer programmers $98,670/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 31 schools offering Computer Programming →

Computer Programming at Other Schools

DigiPen Institute of Technology ($102,580) Rochester Institute of Technology ($83,875) Elon University ($79,819) University of Phoenix-Arizona ($74,151) University of Phoenix-California ($74,151) University of Phoenix-Texas ($74,151) New England Institute of Technology ($72,595) DePaul University ($72,234)

Other Majors at University of Michigan-Dearborn

Computer Engineering ($79,022) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,942) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($77,273) Mechanical Engineering ($70,688) Management Information Systems and Services ($65,211) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($61,297) Finance and Financial Management Services ($58,438) Accounting and Related Services ($57,833)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Computer Programming trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Programming at University of Michigan-Dearborn?
This program scores 82/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Programming nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Computer Programming careers?
With 78% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $750,716 in decade earnings vs $1,116,095 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Michigan-Dearborn's Computer Programming program stand out?
Ranked #1 of 31 programs nationally, University of Michigan-Dearborn lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →