Michigan Technological University
Michigan Technological University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Michigan Technological University at a Glance
Michigan Technological University is a public research university in Houghton, Michigan, United States. It was founded in 1885 as the Michigan Mining School, the first post-secondary institution in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
1885
141 years old
$184M
$184,150,619
7,411
6,009 undergrad · 1,402 grad
495
15:1 student:faculty
925 acres
Identity
How to Apply to Michigan Technological University
Official admissions pageNot required
Recommendation letters
Is Michigan Technological University Worth It?
Michigan Technological University is one of the strongest value propositions in higher education. At $14,182/year net price and $78,198 median earnings, graduates earn 5.5× their annual cost within a decade of enrolling.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 68% graduation rate means roughly 32% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With a 92% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: Michigan Technological University delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How Michigan Technological University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #5 of 22 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | California State University-Bakersfield | 100 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
| #2 | California State University-Stanislaus | 100 | $6,067 | $63,188 |
| #3 | University of Washington-Bothell Campus | 100 | $12,319 | $78,466 |
| #4 | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | 100 | $10,163 | $78,466 |
| #5 | Michigan Technological University | 94 | $14,182 | $78,198 |
| #6 | University of California-Merced | 93 | $11,983 | $64,368 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Michigan Technological University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Michigan Technological University
The highest-earning program at Michigan Technological University is Computer Engineering at $74,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Forestry at $38,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Engineering graduate from Michigan Technological University earns $74,700, while a Forestry graduate earns $38,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer Engineering graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $19,500 for Forestry.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,182/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $74,700 | $74,700 | $27,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $71,700 | $71,700 | $27,000 |
| Computer Science | $71,600 | $71,600 | $26,125 |
| Materials Engineering | $70,900 | $70,900 | $22,625 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $69,700 | $69,700 | $25,000 |
| Chemical Engineering | $68,100 | $68,100 | $25,250 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | $64,800 | $64,800 | $27,000 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $63,500 | $63,500 | $27,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | $63,100 | $63,100 | $29,250 |
| Civil Engineering | $60,800 | $60,800 | $25,468 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $56,000 | $56,000 | $24,136 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering | $48,800 | $48,800 | $26,000 |
| Forestry | $38,600 | $38,600 | $19,500 |
Similar Colleges in MI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Houghton, MI
- Student Body
- 5,955 students
- Admission Rate
- 92%
- Graduation Rate
- 68%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,182
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $78,198
- Median Student Debt
- $24,990