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Design Engineering Technologies at Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $63,862/yr (12% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Medium (16,300 openings/yr)
ROI 10.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #5 of 9 Design Engineering Technologies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Design Engineering Technologies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $611K $600K $549K
Earnings Multiple 10.8x 10.6x 9.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$56,760
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,164
-13% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,500
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $63,862/yr, edging above the $56,836 national average for Design Engineering Technologies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 10.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Design Engineering Technologies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $28,500 in median debt against $63,862 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Design Engineering Technologies is offered at just 9 schools in our analysis. Central Michigan University's #5 ranking should be read in that context.

About Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 9,916 students in Mount Pleasant, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Michigan University →

Top Career Paths

Electrical and electronics drafters $73,720/yr
Mechanical drafters $68,510/yr
Architectural and civil drafters $64,280/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 9 schools offering Design Engineering Technologies →

Design Engineering Technologies at Other Schools

Trine University ($65,013) Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses ($65,013) University of Central Missouri ($60,774) Western Michigan University ($60,153) Pennsylvania College of Technology ($57,854) Murray State University ($53,085) Academy of Art University ($48,978) Indiana University-Indianapolis ($36,798)

Other Majors at Central Michigan University

Computer Science ($74,135) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($71,457) Mechanical Engineering ($69,862) Management Information Systems and Services ($68,088) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($66,149) Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians ($64,284) Accounting and Related Services ($62,430) Finance and Financial Management Services ($60,023)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Design Engineering Technologies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design Engineering Technologies at Central Michigan University?
At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Design Engineering Technologies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Design Engineering Technologies at Central Michigan University?
The 40% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →