Earn a Computer Science Degree in Michigan
Updated August 13, 2024
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Known as the Great Lakes State, Michigan boasts natural beauty, a strong economy, and a vibrant art scene. The state is also home to dozens of high-quality colleges and universities that can prepare students for jobs in the growing tech sector.
Computer science is a rapidly growing field that offers many opportunities for career growth. Earning a computer science degree at any level can open the door to many promising jobs in tech and other fields. Popular computer science careers in Michigan include computer and information research scientist, software developer, and computer systems analyst.
Michigan has schools with computer science programs at various degree levels. Keep reading to learn more about your options for computer science schools in Michigan.
Michigan at a Glance
- Number of Higher Learning Institutions: 86
- % of Workforce in Tech: 4.6%
- Economic Impact of Tech Industry: $27.8 billion
- Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations: $93,980
Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS
Popular Online Computer Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Go to School for Computer Science in Michigan?
Michigan offers many potential benefits as a place to earn a computer science degree at any level. Prospective students can find many options when looking for computer science schools in Michigan.
Even though it typically costs more than the national average to earn a four-year degree in Michigan, the state also boasts a lower-than-average cost of living. The state's strong economy includes a health tech sector and various opportunities for computer science professionals.
Graduates who stay in Michigan can take advantage of internships, co-op work experiences, and summer jobs to develop professional connections with local computer science professionals. Networking within the state can give you an advantage after graduation, as well.
Education Statistics for Michigan
| Institutional Statistics | Michigan Data Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Year Colleges | 61 | 2,488 |
| Two-Year Colleges | 25 | 1,234 |
| Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 50.5% | 53% |
Source: NCES
Michigan is home to 61 four-year colleges and 25 two-year colleges. A little over half of students in the state are enrolled in distance education.
Accreditation for Michigan Schools
Make sure that your prospective computer science school in Michigan holds institutional accreditation. This status indicates that a college has met high standards set by accrediting agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education.
You must attend an accredited college or university to qualify for federal financial aid. Choosing an accredited school also allows for credit transfer between different schools.
When looking for the best online colleges for computer science in Michigan, look for schools accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the same agency that evaluates in-person schools in the state.
Some of the best computer science programs also hold voluntary programmatic accreditation from ABET. Programmatic accreditation signals high quality to potential employers and schools.
Considerations for Computer Science Schools in Michigan
When prospective students look for computer science schools in Michigan, they need to consider their desired degree level. Schools offer computer science degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, but learners won't find the program they need at every college.
Research learning formats to identify whether you want a fully online, in-person, or hybrid computer science program. In Michigan, a little more than half of students take at least some of their classes online.
Concentration Options
Students earning computer science degrees in Michigan can pursue various concentrations. However, the specializations explored in the table below may be especially applicable to popular computer science career opportunities in Michigan.
Even if your program doesn't offer one of these specializations, you can prioritize classes that focus on these areas.
Cybersecurity or Information Security
A cybersecurity or information security concentration prepares students to help organizations protect their data by preventing and responding to cyberattacks. This skill applies to nearly any industry as the prevalence of cyberattacks grows.
Artificial Intelligence
An artificial intelligence (AI) concentration focuses on using computer systems to independently conduct complex tasks and solve problems. Popular computer science jobs in Michigan, like computer and information research scientists, continue to integrate AI into their professional work.
Software Development
Specializing in software development is a smart move in Michigan, which is home to more than 44,000 software developers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A software development concentration helps students get the skills to develop software.
Paying for Your Degree
Tuition rates vary by school, but on average, it costs more to attend a public four-year university in Michigan than in most other states. These ranges apply to both in-state and out-of-state learners.
Prospective computer science students can consider various financing options for computer science schools in Michigan. Potential options include federal financial aid, student loans, and fellowships. Learners can also apply for scholarships and grants, which do not require repayment.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
In-state students attending public computer science schools in Michigan pay a significantly discounted tuition rate compared to out-of-state learners, saving more than $26,000 a year. Unfortunately, Michigan does not participate in any state reciprocity agreements that offer tuition breaks for out-of-state students.
However, some public colleges in Michigan have ended the practice of charging out-of-state tuition, potentially making a degree more affordable for non-resident students. Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, and Lake Superior State University all charge flat tuition rates to their students.
Michigan's Cost of Living
Students considering computer science schools in Michigan can benefit from the state's low cost of living. Michigan's cost-of-living index score of 92.7 makes it about 7% cheaper to live here than the national average. Students can especially save on the cost of housing, which is just 80.9% of the national average.
Schools With Computer Science Degrees in Michigan
- Andrews University
- Baker College
- Calvin University
- Central Michigan University
- Davenport University
- Eastern Michigan University
- Kettering University
- Michigan State University
- Michigan Tech University
- Spring Arbor University
- University of Detroit Mercy
- University of Michigan-Dearborn
- University of Michigan-Flint
- Western Michigan University
Discover Top-Ranked Computer Science Programs
Computer Science Careers for Michigan Graduates
Computer science schools in Michigan can prepare you for various professional computer science careers. Michigan's strong economy includes a vibrant tech workforce of about 215,000, according to CompTIA's State of the Tech Workforce 2024 report.
Other major industries in Michigan that require workers with computer science degrees include advanced manufacturing, engineering and design, semiconductor, and aerospace. The defense, professional and corporate services, life sciences, and automotive industries also need workers with computer science degrees.
Detroit offers many computer science jobs, but computer science graduates can also find career opportunities in places like Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo.
The sections below describe popular computer science jobs in Michigan, including salary and job outlook information. We also highlight some of the state's best computer science employers and computer science employment trends.
Computer Science Jobs in Michigan
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Computer information researchers solve problems in various industries using computing theories and processes. Job duties include creating new computer languages, writing papers on their research, and conducting experiments.
Computer Systems Analysts
Computer systems analysts help organizations improve their various tech-related processes, including databases and hardware installations. These professionals research potential technologies, train computer users, and help managers assess costs and benefits.
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
These educators teach college students about theory and practices relating to computer science. They grade papers, complete research, and mentor students.
- Average Salary (2023): $113,360
- Job Outlook in MI (2022-2032): +5.4%
Computer Science Employers in Michigan
Google: Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., has offices in Ann Arbor and Detroit. Best known for its search engine, Google works on issues like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, computer software, and online advertising. The tech giant employs computer science professionals in various roles, including software engineers, computer research scientists, security and private engineers, and user experience specialists.
Ford Motors: One of the major employers in Michigan, Ford hires computer science professionals for roles like software engineer, computer research scientist, and data scientist.
Stryker: This company, headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, specializes in medical technology. Stryker hires computer science professionals to work in software engineering, data analytics, and robotics roles.
Employment Trends in Michigan
| Year | State | National | Computer Hardware Engineers |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Employment | 1,100 | 78,100 |
| 2032 Projected Employment | 1,110 | 81,600 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2022-2032 | 0.9% | +4.5% | Computer and Information Systems Managers |
| 2022 Employment | 13,880 | 557,400 |
| 2033 Projected Employment | 15,600 | 643,300 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2022-2032 | 12.4% | +15.4% | Web Developers |
| 2022 Employment | 1,310 | 117,900 |
| 2032 Projected Employment | 1,500 | 135,800 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2022-2032 | 14.5% | +15.2% |
Source: Projections Central
| Career | Michigan Employment | Michigan Annual Mean Wage | National Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Developers | 1,300 | $90,720 | $95,570 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 7,160 | $94,840 | $100,580 |
| Database Administrators | 1,460 | $92,980 | $104,810 |
| Computer Programmers | 4,050 | $90,700 | $107,750 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 15,000 | $101,510 | $110,800 |
| Information Security Analysts | 3,090 | $108,980 | $124,740 |
| Software Developers | 44,140 | $108,080 | $138,110 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 1,580 | $119,150 | $147,770 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 270 | $119,800 | $157,160 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 14,770 | $156,340 | $180,720 |
Source: BLS OEWS
Consider your desired career goals and the degree you need to qualify for the role you want to help you choose the right school.
A bachelor's degree in computer science can prepare students for many popular computer science jobs in Michigan, including computer hardware engineer, information security analyst, and computer systems analyst.
A master's degree can help you qualify for computer science jobs in Michigan with more responsibility and higher salaries, like computer and information research scientist or computer and information systems manager.
Professional Organizations in Michigan
- Computer Science Teachers Association: CSTA Michigan is a local chapter of the national organization for computer science teachers in K-12 settings. The group provides networking opportunities and professional development to computer science educators.
- MI-Coding: MI-Coding offers coding workshops to Michigan educators. The group partners with code.org.
- Michigan Student Artificial Intelligence Lab: MSAIL is a student group at the University of Michigan with over 400 members. It focuses on artificial intelligence education and research.
FAQ About Getting a Computer Science Degree in Michigan
Is computer science a good major in Michigan?
Yes — computer science can be an excellent major for students in Michigan. Many schools in the state offer this degree at various levels, which can prepare graduates for many in-demand and well-paying jobs.
Are there computer science jobs in Michigan?
Yes — Michigan offers many opportunities for computer science professionals. Popular computer science jobs in the state include computer systems analysts, computer and information systems managers, and software developers.
Which Michigan school has the best computer science program?
There are many strong computer science programs in Michigan. The best option for you depends on your preferred degree level, concentration, budget, and learning format.
Is the University of Michigan a good school for computer science?
Yes — the University of Michigan is a well-respected option for students looking to major in computer science. University of Michigan-Flint and University of Michigan-Dearborn both offer computer science programs, for example.
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