Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,279
Est. from national median (156 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from national median (80 programs)

Analysis

Looking at this program through the lens of comparable schools and state data reveals a significant gap. While similar bachelor's programs in Michigan typically produce first-year earnings around $39,600, peer programs nationally suggest Aquinas graduates might start closer to $35,300—nearly $4,300 below the state norm. The estimated $27,000 in debt sits slightly above Michigan's typical $24,700 for these programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that's workable but not particularly favorable for a health services degree.

The field itself shows wide variation in Michigan, from University of Michigan-Flint's modest $26,200 outcomes to Siena Heights' robust $53,000—suggesting that program focus and local healthcare connections matter enormously in this major. Health services is a broad umbrella that can lead to clinical roles, administration, or research support positions, each with vastly different earning trajectories. Without knowing which specific healthcare pathway Aquinas emphasizes, it's hard to assess whether these estimated outcomes reflect strong preparation or indicate a less lucrative concentration.

For parents evaluating this investment, the key question is specificity: what exact healthcare role is your child preparing for, and do Aquinas graduates reliably land those positions? The estimated numbers suggest a program performing below Michigan standards, but since these figures come from national comparisons rather than actual Aquinas outcomes, your due diligence should focus on concrete placement data—job titles, employers, and whether graduates need additional certification or graduate education to advance.

Where Aquinas College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health services/allied health/health sciences bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (9 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Aquinas CollegeGrand Rapids$38,520$35,279*$27,000*
Siena Heights UniversityAdrian$29,778$52,998*$26,683*0.50
University of Michigan-FlintFlint$14,014$26,225*$22,750*0.87
National Median$35,279*$26,690*0.76
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with health services/allied health/health sciences graduates

Health Education Specialists

Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.

$63,000/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Community Health Workers

Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.

$51,030/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 Aquinas College, approximately 23% 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 national median of 156 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.