Rankings / By State
Best Data Science Colleges in Michigan
- 38
- Schools
- $49,407
- Avg. Earnings
- 46%
- Avg. Graduation
- $12,137
- Avg. Net Price
- $17,744
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $29,079 at the low end to $94,823 at the top. That 3.3× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Macomb Community College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $41,596 against $1,618 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is West Shore Community College, at $1,527 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates 93% of its students, well above the 46% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Macomb Community College: graduates owe only 0.14× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. West Shore Community College ($1,527/yr) and Kettering University ($34,660/yr) produce graduates earning $36,115 and $94,823 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $33,133 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Macomb Community College outperforms Kettering University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
- Completion is where this ranking's schools diverge most: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates 93% of its students versus 17% at Schoolcraft Community College District. Access without completion is opportunity unclaimed.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Macomb Community College and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
Technology is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $45K within a decade, and data scientist roles are projected to grow 36%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Kettering University #1 overall | $94,823 ▲ +92% vs avg | $34,660 | 71% | 77 |
| 2 Michigan Technological University #2 overall | $78,198 ▲ +58% vs avg | $14,182 | 68% | 77 |
| 3 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor #3 overall | $83,648 ▲ +69% vs avg | $13,138 | 93% | 75 |
| $67,253 ▲ +36% vs avg | $19,680 | 81% | 75 | |
| $65,590 ▲ +33% vs avg | $19,072 | 79% | 73 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Data Science Colleges in Michigan
This analysis ranks 38 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $49,407 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 46% and an average net price of $12,137.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Macomb Community College — Net Price: $1,618 | Graduation Rate: 17%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor — 93% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Kettering University — Median alumni earnings: $94,823
Data Insight
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Technology Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the technology workforce?
$43,791
Median earnings (10yr)
44%
Median graduation rate
$8,771
Median net price
1.3%
Avg. mobility rate
Technology hiring rewards ability over credentials more than any other field on this site. Toolchains turn over every few years, so computing and data-science programs compete on employer connections, project-based learning, and curriculum currency. The programs that teach fundamentals and learning agility produce the graduates who last.
Start with the medians across these 38 schools. Graduates earn a median of $43,791 ten years after enrollment. The median graduation rate is 44%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $8,771 a year with about $20,171 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 29% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.3%.
In tech, what you can do matters more than where you studied. Graduates on this list earn a median of $43,791 ten years after enrollment. Programs with industry partnerships, co-op placements, and current curricula keep delivering through a cyclical hiring market.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Kettering University lands at #1 with a 77/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (38/100). Graduates earn a median $94,823 a decade after enrolling, 92% above this list's average, and net price runs $34,660 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Michigan Technological University lands at #2 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $78,198 a decade after enrolling, 58% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,182 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor lands at #3 with a 75/100 composite, led by academic quality (92/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $83,648 a decade after enrolling, 69% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,138 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Michigan State University lands at #4 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (65/100). Graduates earn a median $67,253 a decade after enrolling, 36% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,680 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Kalamazoo College lands at #5 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $65,590 a decade after enrolling, 33% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,072 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Oakland University lands at #6 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $58,612 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,120 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Ferris State University lands at #7 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $54,735 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $8,624 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Andrews University lands at #8 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (63/100). Graduates earn a median $53,187 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,547 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Calvin University lands at #9 with a 72/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $58,375 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,992 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Grand Valley State University lands at #10 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $56,118 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,317 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Eastern Michigan University lands at #11 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $51,793 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,407 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
University of Michigan-Dearborn lands at #12 with a 70/100 composite, led by value per dollar (71/100) and pulled down by social mobility (63/100). Graduates earn a median $59,649 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,492 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Macomb Community College lands at #13 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (94/100) and pulled down by academic quality (39/100). Graduates earn a median $41,596 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $1,618 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Davenport University lands at #14 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $45,099 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,707 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Muskegon Community College lands at #15 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $36,549 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,005 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
West Shore Community College lands at #16 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (94/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $36,115 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $1,527 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Wayne State University lands at #17 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (72/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $53,493 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,766 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Monroe County Community College lands at #18 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $41,646 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,586 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
St Clair County Community College lands at #19 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $40,177 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,571 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Oakland Community College lands at #20 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $37,395 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,777 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Alpena Community College lands at #21 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $36,442 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,320 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Grand Rapids Community College lands at #22 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $38,377 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,621 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Lake Michigan College lands at #23 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (61/100). Graduates earn a median $34,466 a decade after enrolling, 30% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,680 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Northwestern Michigan College lands at #24 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $38,167 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,231 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Southwestern Michigan College lands at #25 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $37,303 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,978 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Lawrence Technological University lands at #26 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $69,151 a decade after enrolling, 40% above this list's average, and net price runs $32,918 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Kalamazoo Valley Community College lands at #27 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $38,618 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $2,979 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Lansing Community College lands at #28 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $39,206 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,437 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Northwood University lands at #29 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $63,075 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,232 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
College for Creative Studies lands at #30 with a 64/100 composite, led by academic quality (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $44,860 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $34,617 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Adrian College lands at #31 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $55,504 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,368 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Baker College lands at #32 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $35,833 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,157 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Wayne County Community College District lands at #33 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (36/100). Graduates earn a median $29,079 a decade after enrolling, 41% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,656 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Glen Oaks Community College lands at #34 with a 59/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $37,540 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,918 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Schoolcraft Community College District lands at #35 with a 59/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (32/100). Graduates earn a median $42,722 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $2,260 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
University of Michigan-Flint lands at #36 with a 59/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (49/100). Graduates earn a median $53,230 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $7,007 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Mid Michigan College lands at #37 with a 54/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by social mobility (48/100). Graduates earn a median $37,319 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,370 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Mott Community College lands at #38 with a 53/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (38/100). Graduates earn a median $32,538 a decade after enrolling, 34% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,687 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 38 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Data Scientists and related roles — a field with $108,020 median pay and 36% projected growth.
See the Data Scientist career guide →Data science is a rapidly growing field, and Michigan is home to several colleges offering strong programs in this area. As we consider these schools, prospective students are likely weighing their options based on factors such as potential earnings, graduation rates, and overall cost of attendance. With an average earning potential of $51,257 across the data science programs in Michigan, understanding which institutions stand out can help students make informed choices.
The schools listed below are ranked based on meaningful outcomes, including post-graduate earnings, graduation rates, and student debt levels. It's essential to look beyond just the names and examine the numbers. For instance, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor leads with an impressive earning potential of $83,648 and a graduation rate of 93%. In contrast, other institutions on the list might have lower earnings but could offer more affordable options or different strengths in other areas.
Consider the differences between Michigan Technological University and Kettering University. While Michigan Tech graduates earn an average of $78,198 with a graduation rate of 68%, Kettering alumni have a higher earning potential at $94,823 but face a significantly higher net price of $34,660. These contrasts highlight the importance of balancing financial commitments with potential outcomes, encouraging students to think critically about what matters most to them as they choose their path forward.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 31 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.3%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Kettering University leads the group at 3.1%, with Wayne State University (2.4%) and Lawrence Technological University (2.4%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 9.4% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Wayne County Community College District enrolls the most, at 27.2%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 19% across the list, peaking at 74.7% at Kettering University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.30, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Calvin University is highest at 1.79.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When comparing schools like the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan-Dearborn, we see a notable difference in outcomes. While the Ann Arbor campus has a graduation rate of 93% and average earnings of $83,648, Dearborn students have a graduation rate of just 57% and average earnings of $59,649. This indicates that the stronger program may not only offer better educational resources but also enhance long-term career prospects.
After reviewing these options, consider your own priorities. Are you looking for a school with a strong reputation and high earnings, or are you more concerned about affordability and campus culture? Weighing factors like location, campus size, and specific program strengths against the data can help you find the right fit. Take the time to visit campuses and speak with current students to get a better sense of where you'd thrive.
The data here underscores the importance of making an informed decision about your educational path. With the right college, you could set the stage for a stable career and financial security. One family’s choice could hinge on these statistics, illustrating how critical it is to match your educational investments with your career aspirations.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Data Science Colleges in Michigan: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Data Science Colleges in Michigan ranking? +
Kettering University in Flint, MI ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Data Science Colleges in Michigan ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $94,823 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 71% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Kettering University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $94,823 ten years after enrollment, well above the $49,407 average across the 38 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Macomb Community College leads: graduates earn a median $41,596 against net price of about $1,618 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 93%, compared with a 46% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $12,137 a year across the 38 ranked schools with cost data. West Shore Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $1,527. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Data Science Colleges in Michigan ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 38 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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