Apple's Developer Academy Costs $20,000 Per Student, Taxpayers Footing Millions of the Bill [Report]

Apple's Developer Academy in Detroit is drawing attention for its steep operating costs and the heavy burden it places on public funding, raising questions about whether the program delivers enough value for the investment. An in-depth review of the initiative by Wired shows that roughly $30 million has been spent over the last four years to train students in the city, putting the cost per student at around $20,000—nearly double what state and local governments typically spend on community college students.



The academy opened in 2021 as a key piece of Apple's Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, partnering with Michigan State University to offer free training in coding, design, and business skills. While Apple put up about $11.6 million and the Gilbert Family Foundation contributed over $9 million, the program relies heavily on public money. Records show that nearly 30 percent of the funding—close to $9 million—came from Michigan taxpayers and tuition revenue from the university's general student body. That reliance on public funds has sparked debate over the program's efficiency, especially since the curriculum focuses almost exclusively on Apple's proprietary ecosystem.


Students accepted into the 10-month intensive course receive high-end hardware, including a MacBook and iPhone, plus a monthly stipend meant to cover living costs. But for many, the financial reality has been difficult. The stipends, which range from $800 to $1,500 a month, often fall short of covering basic needs in Detroit. Some participants reported having to rely on government food aid or pick up side jobs just to make it through the program, undermining the idea that the stipend provides a full safety net for study.

The results for graduates are also a mixed bag. While officials tout a 71 percent employment rate for recent graduates, they haven't released specific data on how many of those jobs are actually in tech or software engineering. The academy teaches iOS development specifically, which some alumni say has hurt their chances in a job market that often demands proficiency in Android as well. Several students left the program struggling to find coding work, with some eventually returning to their previous fields. Despite these challenges, Apple is continuing its investment in the area, having recently opened a separate Manufacturing Academy in Detroit to train small businesses on modern production technologies.

More details in the full report linked below...

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