Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Michigan 2025
University of Michigan
Prestigious public university with exceptional IT program, strong alumni network in Detroit tech sector, and 96% job placement rate
Michigan State University
Comprehensive IT curriculum with cybersecurity focus, excellent industry partnerships, and strong career services support
Lawrence Technological University
Technology-focused private university in Detroit metro with hands-on learning approach and direct industry connections
- 1.Michigan has 35+ accredited information technology bachelor's programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.University of Michigan ranks #1 in Michigan with 91% graduation rate and strong connections to Detroit's growing tech sector
- 3.Michigan IT professionals earn median $95,420 annually, 8% above the national median (BLS Michigan 2024)
- 4.Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor provide 47,000+ IT jobs with major employers including Ford, GM, Quicken Loans, and Steelcase
- 5.In-state tuition at public universities averages $15,350, making Michigan an affordable option for IT education
Information Technology Education in Michigan
Michigan offers a strong selection of information technology programs, with options ranging from prestigious research universities to career-focused regional institutions. The state's automotive industry transformation into mobility technology, combined with Detroit's emerging tech scene, creates excellent opportunities for IT graduates.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national IT bachelor's rankings. Students considering costs should review our most affordable IT programs guide. Career-focused students should explore our comprehensive IT career hub for Michigan-specific salary data and job market insights.
Michigan's IT landscape is diverse, spanning traditional automotive tech, emerging mobility solutions, healthcare IT, and financial technology. The state's proximity to Canada also provides cross-border opportunities, especially in the Windsor-Detroit corridor.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Michigan May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Class size and accessibility
Michigan-specific salaries from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating program rigor
Michigan Information Technology Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor | Public | $16,736 | 91% | 15:1 | 94.8 |
| 2 | Michigan State University | East Lansing | Public | $15,966 | 82% | 17:1 | 91.2 |
| 3 | Lawrence Technological University | Southfield | Private | $37,590 | 67% | 10:1 | 87.5 |
| 4 | Western Michigan University | Kalamazoo | Public | $14,523 | 58% | 17:1 | 84.2 |
| 5 | Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti | Public | $14,106 | 55% | 17:1 | 82.8 |
| 6 | Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant | Public | $13,590 | 58% | 21:1 | 81.5 |
| 7 | Grand Valley State University | Allendale | Public | $13,482 | 69% | 17:1 | 80.9 |
| 8 | Northern Michigan University | Marquette | Public | $12,240 | 53% | 20:1 | 79.6 |
| 9 | Ferris State University | Big Rapids | Public | $13,020 | 52% | 16:1 | 78.3 |
| 10 | Wayne State University | Detroit | Public | $14,494 | 49% | 15:1 | 77.8 |
| 11 | Oakland University | Rochester | Public | $14,750 | 58% | 21:1 | 76.4 |
| 12 | Michigan Technological University | Houghton | Public | $16,605 | 73% | 13:1 | 75.9 |
| 13 | Saginaw Valley State University | University Center | Public | $11,052 | 45% | 19:1 | 74.2 |
| 14 | Lake Superior State University | Sault Ste. Marie | Public | $12,650 | 48% | 14:1 | 73.1 |
| 15 | Davenport University | Grand Rapids | Private | $20,790 | 52% | 13:1 | 72.6 |
| 16 | Baker College | Flint | Private | $11,610 | 28% | 15:1 | 70.8 |
| 17 | Cleary University | Howell | Private | $25,650 | 51% | 12:1 | 69.5 |
| 18 | Concordia University Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor | Private | $31,080 | 52% | 11:1 | 68.9 |
| 19 | University of Michigan-Flint | Flint | Public | $12,336 | 42% | 14:1 | 68.2 |
| 20 | Spring Arbor University | Spring Arbor | Private | $29,100 | 68% | 11:1 | 67.4 |
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan • University
Program Highlights
- • 91% six-year graduation rate - highest in Michigan
- • Average starting salary $78,500 for IT graduates
- • 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention
- • State-of-the-art computing facilities and labs
Program Strengths
- Top-ranked School of Information with innovative curriculum
- 96% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- Strong connections to Detroit's automotive tech transformation
- Research opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics
- Active partnerships with Ford, GM, and emerging tech startups
Why Ranked #1
Combines academic prestige with practical IT skills training. The School of Information offers cutting-edge programs in information systems, data science, and cybersecurity. Strong alumni network throughout Michigan's tech industry provides excellent internship and career opportunities.
Student Reviews
"The program prepared me perfectly for my role at Ford's autonomous vehicle division. The faculty's industry connections made all the difference."
— 2024 Graduate, now Software Engineer at Ford
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan • University
Program Highlights
- • 82% six-year graduation rate
- • Average starting salary $68,200 for IT graduates
- • 17:1 student-faculty ratio
- • Modern computing labs and network infrastructure
Program Strengths
- Comprehensive curriculum covering networking, security, and database management
- Strong industry partnerships throughout Michigan
- Active career services with 87% job placement rate
- Flexible program options including evening and online courses
- Research opportunities in cybersecurity and data management
Why Ranked #2
Offers comprehensive IT education with strong emphasis on practical skills and industry readiness. The program has excellent partnerships with Michigan employers and provides multiple internship opportunities in the state's growing tech sector.
Student Reviews
"MSU's IT program gave me both technical skills and business acumen. The internship program connected me directly with my current employer in Grand Rapids."
— 2023 Graduate, now Systems Administrator
Lawrence Technological University
Southfield, Michigan • University
Program Highlights
- • 67% six-year graduation rate
- • 10:1 student-faculty ratio - most personal attention
- • Average starting salary $65,800 for IT graduates
- • Located in metro Detroit with easy access to tech employers
Program Strengths
- Small class sizes with intensive hands-on learning
- Strong connections to Detroit's automotive tech sector
- Industry-experienced faculty with real-world expertise
- Modern facilities in the heart of Michigan's tech corridor
- Excellent internship placement in automotive and emerging tech
Why Ranked #3
Technology-focused private university with a hands-on approach to IT education. Located in Detroit's northern suburbs, LTU has strong connections to the automotive industry's tech transformation and provides excellent career services.
Student Reviews
"The small classes and industry connections at LTU were incredible. I had internships at both GM and a Detroit startup during my studies."
— 2024 Graduate, now IT Specialist
Michigan University Systems and IT Education
Michigan's public university system provides excellent value for IT education. The University of Michigan system includes three campuses, with Ann Arbor offering the most prestigious program and Flint and Dearborn providing more accessible options with strong regional connections.
Michigan State University anchors the state's comprehensive university system, offering robust IT programs with excellent industry partnerships. The regional universities including Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, and Central Michigan provide quality education at affordable prices, particularly valuable for students seeking to stay in-state after graduation.
Private institutions like Lawrence Technological University and Davenport University offer specialized programs with smaller class sizes and direct industry connections. These schools often have stronger ties to specific sectors like automotive technology and business IT applications.
Career Paths
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1244Manage and maintain IT infrastructure for Michigan businesses, particularly in automotive and manufacturing sectors
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Design and implement network solutions for Michigan's diverse business landscape
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect digital assets for automotive, healthcare, and financial companies throughout Michigan
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Manage data systems for Michigan's manufacturing and healthcare industries
IT Project Manager
SOC 15-1199Lead technology initiatives in Michigan's evolving automotive and mobility sector
Cloud Architect
SOC 15-1299Design cloud solutions for Michigan enterprises undergoing digital transformation
Information Technology Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Ohio
North Carolina
Michigan IT Education Cost Comparison
| Factor | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $15,350 | $32,480 | $28,640 |
| Room & Board | $11,200 | $11,200 | $12,800 |
| Total Cost/Year | $26,550 | $43,680 | $41,440 |
| Financial Aid | 70% receive aid | 45% receive aid | 85% receive aid |
| Average Debt | $28,500 | $35,200 | $32,800 |
| ROI Timeline | 8-10 years | 12-15 years | 10-12 years |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access affordable, high-quality public university education
- Work in the automotive industry's technology transformation
- Benefit from a growing but not oversaturated IT job market
- Experience four distinct seasons and Great Lakes recreation
- Build a career in a state with reasonable cost of living
- Tap into the Detroit startup ecosystem and mobility tech sector
- Maximize starting salaries in major tech hubs like California or Washington
- Access the largest concentration of tech companies and venture capital
- Work in cutting-edge fields like AI research or semiconductor design
- Experience year-round warm weather and outdoor activities
- Build an international career with global tech companies
- Pursue highly specialized IT roles not available in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan IT Programs
Related Information Technology Resources
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.