Analysis
A bachelor's in Management Sciences at Adrian College carries an estimated debt load of $24,840—close to the national norm for this field—while comparable programs across Michigan suggest first-year earnings around $63,700. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 is manageable by most standards, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months' salary. However, these figures come from peer institutions rather than Adrian's actual graduate outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty about whether this specific program performs at, above, or below that Michigan average.
The competitive landscape matters here. Michigan State and Oakland graduates in this field are earning about $5,700 more in year one based on actual reported data, while Central Michigan graduates earn $2,400 more. Adrian's 68% admission rate and modest test scores suggest it's serving a different student population than these larger research universities, which could mean different career trajectory patterns. At the same time, students here are paying similar debt levels for potentially less immediate earning power—or at least less documented earning power.
For anxious parents, the question becomes whether Adrian's smaller environment and support systems justify the uncertainty. If your student thrives in intimate settings and needs more individualized attention, that $24,840 investment could pay off through better completion rates and job placement. But if outcomes matter most, programs with proven track records at Michigan's public universities might offer more security for a similar or lower price.
Where Adrian College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (18 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,556 | $63,723* | — | $24,840* | — | |
| $14,694 | $69,446* | — | —* | — | |
| $15,988 | $69,443* | $74,432 | $23,250* | 0.33 | |
| $14,190 | $66,149* | $75,013 | $24,250* | 0.37 | |
| $14,944 | $61,297* | — | $25,500* | 0.42 | |
| $33,000 | $54,298* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $62,069* | — | $23,250* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Operations Research Analysts
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Adrian College, approximately 31% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.