Computer Programmingat University of Michigan-Dearborn
Graduates earn $80,830/yr in their first year — about 37.0% above the national Computer Programming average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,012K; scenarios range from $751K to $1,116K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Michigan-Dearborn
While the numbers speak for themselves, they don't tell the whole story of your career trajectory. UM-Dearborn's strength comes from its deep integration with the Detroit-area economy, which is undergoing a massive technological revolution. You're not just graduating into a general tech market; you're stepping into the epicenter of automotive innovation. Major players like Ford, GM, and their vast network of suppliers are aggressively hiring software talent to build the future of electric vehicles, autonomous driving systems, and connected car platforms. This creates a powerful local recruiting pipeline right in your backyard. The program's reputation is built on producing practical, engineering-focused graduates who can contribute on day one. To maximize this advantage, your key move is to secure an internship or co-op within the auto-tech sector to build industry-specific skills and connections before you even graduate.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Michigan-Dearborn's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Computer Programming
How University of Michigan-Dearborn stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Michigan-Dearborn
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Michigan-Dearborn, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Computer Programming offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Computer Programming trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Computer Programming at University of Michigan-Dearborn
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.