Analysis
Statistics degrees from peer programs in Michigan typically yield solid early returns, with first-year earnings around $63,600—above the national median for this field. Central Michigan's program appears to track with this state pattern, with graduates reaching $74,600 by year four. That's a meaningful jump that suggests statisticians gain value quickly as they build practical experience, putting them in a strong position to tackle the estimated $25,625 in debt.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 looks manageable compared to many bachelor's programs. Similar statistics programs in Michigan carry comparable debt loads, and at this earnings level, loan payments should consume a reasonable portion of take-home pay rather than becoming a financial burden. The four-year earnings data—which is actual reported data for this program—confirms graduates aren't just finding entry-level work but progressing into roles that pay well.
The broader Michigan market for statistics graduates shows interesting variation, from University of Michigan's edge at $64,400 down to Grand Valley's $43,700. Central Michigan appears positioned in the stronger tier based on the trajectory you'd expect from comparable programs. For families weighing this investment, the key reassurance is that four-year outcome of nearly $75,000—that's verifiable data showing this specific program's graduates advance well beyond entry level.
Where Central Michigan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all statistics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Michigan University | — | $74,610 | — |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $93,111 | $142,883 | +53% |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $64,371 | $98,758 | +53% |
| Michigan State University | $63,649 | $81,993 | +29% |
| Grand Valley State University | $43,668 | $65,601 | +50% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Statistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant | $14,190 | $63,649* | $74,610 | $25,625* | — |
 University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor | $17,228 | $64,371* | $98,758 | $23,250* | 0.36 |
 Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing | $15,988 | $63,649* | $81,993 | $25,625* | 0.40 |
 Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale | $14,628 | $43,668* | $65,601 | $27,000* | 0.62 |
| National Median | — | $59,718* | — | $20,150* | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with statistics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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.
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 3 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.