Median Earnings (1yr)
$66,149
61st percentile
60th percentile in Michigan
Median Debt
$24,250
4% above national median

Analysis

Central Michigan's Management Sciences program delivers solid returns that outperform most Michigan schools and the national median. First-year earnings of $66,149 put graduates about $2,400 above the state median and $4,000 above the national averageβ€”ranking in the 60th percentile among Michigan programs. Only Oakland and Michigan State edge it out among in-state options, and both by relatively small margins. The $24,250 debt load sits right at the state average, giving graduates a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio that means roughly four months of gross salary to cover total borrowing.

The 13% earnings bump from year one to year four suggests these quantitative skills translate into career progression, though the growth is modest rather than explosive. For families weighing Central Michigan's accessible 91% admission rate against program outcomes, this represents a practical path into analytical business roles without the pressure of ultra-competitive admissions. You're essentially getting top-tier Michigan results at a school where admission is nearly guaranteed.

The moderate sample size means individual circumstances could vary, but the overall picture is straightforward: competitive earnings, reasonable debt, and outcomes that hold their own against flagship universities. For Michigan families, this is a strong in-state option that delivers quantitative business skills with a clear financial payoff.

Where Central Michigan University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Central Michigan University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Central Michigan University$66,149$75,013+13%
New York University$102,572$129,049+26%
Arizona State University Campus Immersion$73,618$104,448+42%
Michigan State University$69,443$74,432+7%
Grand Valley State University$46,886$56,527+21%

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 β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant$14,190$66,149$75,013$24,2500.37
Oakland UniversityRochester Hills$14,694$69,446β€”β€”β€”
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing$15,988$69,443$74,432$23,2500.33
University of Michigan-DearbornDearborn$14,944$61,297β€”$25,5000.42
Northwood UniversityMidland$33,000$54,298β€”β€”β€”
Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale$14,628$46,886$56,527$26,0000.55
National Medianβ€”$62,069β€”$23,2500.37

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates

Actuaries

Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

$125,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Operations Research Analysts

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

$91,290/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Central Michigan University, 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.

Sample Size: Based on 31 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.