Human Development, Family Studies, at Baker College

Baker College graduates in this program earn more than 77% of human development programs nationally—a legitimately strong showing that beats the national median by nearly $3,000. But here's the catch: students leave with $43,076 in debt, nearly double the national average and roughly $13,500 more than other Michigan programs. That's the highest debt load among the 17 schools offering this program in Michigan.

The real concern isn't just the upfront debt—it's what happens after. Earnings actually decline 2% between year one and year four, settling at $35,828. While this still outpaces most programs nationally, it ranks middle-of-the-pack within Michigan, where Spring Arbor University graduates earn $1,600 more starting out. For a field where earnings hover in the mid-30s long-term, servicing that $43K debt burden will strain monthly budgets for years.

The math here is straightforward: if your child can access a comparable Michigan program with half the debt (like Central or Ferris State), they'll be thousands of dollars ahead even if they earn slightly less initially. Baker's program delivers above-average outcomes, but not enough to justify premium-level borrowing for a helping profession career track. Unless significant financial aid dramatically reduces that debt load, look hard at lower-cost alternatives.