Michigan Technological University
Michigan Technological University is a public university in Houghton, MI ranked #77 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A, enrolling about 5,955 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 92.4%. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Computer Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 88.8% first-year retention, and 68.1% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $14,182, about $2,816 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 22.8%, roughly 62.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $69,672. That's about $25,984 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Michigan Technological University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Michigan Technological University graduates 68.1% of students within six years and keeps 88.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Michigan Technological University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $19,123 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,050 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,785 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $34,152 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 20.2% of Michigan Technological University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $2,045 annually, while high-income families pay $23,107. Use Michigan Technological University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $12,813/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $23,107/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $69,672
- 10-Year Median Earnings $69,672
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $20,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 80.3%
- Employment Rate 94.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Michigan Technological University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Michigan Technological University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Michigan Technological University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Michigan Technological University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Michigan Technological University graduates earn $69,672 median, the 22.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 570-680
- SAT Math 560-670
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 25-31
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 5,955
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 88.8%
- Graduation Rate 68.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Michigan Technological University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Michigan Technological University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 92.4%, Michigan Technological University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 92.4% acceptance rate, Michigan Technological University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1130 and 1350 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Michigan Technological University undergraduates. Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engine draw the most students.
- Mechanical Engineering 23.5%
- Chemical Engineering 7.5%
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engine 6.4%
- Computer Engineering 6.1%
- Computer Science 5.9%
- Civil Engineering 5.5%
See more majors
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering 3.8%
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering 3.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $106,432
- 2. Computer Engineering $105,712
- 3. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $101,711
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $100,565
- 5. Chemical Engineering $95,207
- 6. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $94,268
- 7. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $91,410
- 8. Mechanical Engineering $90,615
- 9. Civil Engineering $85,298
- 10. Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians $84,118
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) $101,287
- 2. Civil Engineering (Master's Degree) $85,677
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $67,821
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Forestry (Master's Degree) $45,971
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $106,432—27% more than Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians ($84,118). Graduate: Mechanical Engineering programs lead with $101,287 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Michigan Technological University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 283 graduates)
- Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 90 graduates)
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 77 graduates)
- Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 73 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 71 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (56 programs)▼
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Civil Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Forestry
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Biology, General
- Mathematics
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Psychology, General
- Marketing
- Geological/Geophysical Engineering
- Accounting and Related Services
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Physics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Construction Management
- Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Social Sciences, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemistry
- Surveying Engineering
- Engineering, General
- Statistics
- Mining and Mineral Engineering
- Economics
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Anthropology
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Sustainability Studies
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Human Biology
- History
- Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Online Master's Degrees (32 programs)▼
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Forestry
- Accounting and Related Services
- Computer Science
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Chemical Engineering
- Biology, General
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Materials Engineering
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Computer Engineering
- Statistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Geological/Geophysical Engineering
- Public Policy Analysis
- Genetics
- Economics
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Chemistry
- Archeology
- Mining and Mineral Engineering
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Engineering Mechanics
- Computational Science
- Cognitive Science
Online Doctoral Degrees (27 programs)▼
- Forestry
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Physics
- Civil Engineering
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Public Policy Analysis
- Materials Engineering
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Biology, General
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Archeology
- Statistics
- Mining and Mineral Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Chemical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Applied Mathematics
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Geological/Geophysical Engineering
- Genetics
- Cognitive Science
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (23 programs)▼
- Sustainability Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- Data Science
- Data Analytics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Security Science and Technology
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Systems Engineering
- Surveying Engineering
- Physics
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Materials Sciences
- Materials Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Engineering, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- International/Global Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 5,955
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 71.0%
- Female Students 29.0%
- Caucasian 82.1%
- Asian 1.8%
- Hispanic 3.1%
- Black 1.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 20.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Michigan Technological University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Michigan Technological University's undergraduate population. Women make up 29.0% of the student body, while men represent 71.0%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Michigan Technological University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Michigan Technological University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 82.1% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Men make up 71.0% of undergraduates. About 20.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Michigan Technological University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Michigan Technological University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ranking #77 nationally, Michigan Technological University combines competitive admissions with 22.8% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $69,672 in median post-graduation earnings.
Students complete degrees at 68.1% six-year rates, with 88.8% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $14,182 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 100 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: Michigan Technological University's Market Position
A grade | #77 of 1942 | 96.1/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Competitive Positioning: Michigan Technological University occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The 22.8% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $14,182 annually produces $69,672 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing Michigan Technological University should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: Michigan Technological University's #77 ranking and A grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 100 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- 68.1% six-year graduation rate sits 5.6 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 88.8% first-year retention is 12.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 22.8% return on investment is 62.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $69,672 run about 59% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $14,182 is roughly $5,836 lower than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 88.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 94.4% employment rate within three years sits 26.2 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 20.2% trails the national share by 14.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Michigan Technological University is a public university based in Houghton, MI and earns a A overall grade. It appears at #77 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (A-), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (A), and Affordability (B).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
88.8% of learners come back after year one while 68.1% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures 22.8% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $14,182 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $34,152.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $19,970 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 20.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $69,672 six years after entry. That sits about 59% above the national median.
Roughly 94.4% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near 22.8%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
92.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Michigan Technological University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Houghton, MI 49931-1295
- Website www.mtu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$155.9M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate19.2%