Human Development, Family Studies, at Delta College

Delta College's Human Development and Family Studies associate's program shows earnings that lag both state and national benchmarks, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers should be interpreted cautiously. At roughly $22,000 one year out, graduates earn about $2,000 less than the Michigan median and $4,000 below the national average for this field. More concerning is the earnings trajectory—income actually drops to around $20,000 by year four, suggesting graduates may struggle to advance beyond entry-level childcare or family services positions.

The debt load of $14,478 is reasonable and slightly below both state and national medians, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio. However, earning roughly $1,700 per month makes it difficult to both service loans and cover basic living expenses. Among Michigan's 23 programs, this one sits right at the 40th percentile—middle of the pack but notably behind nearby options like Oakland Community College, where graduates earn $30,000+ annually.

For parents considering this program, the small sample size means one or two outliers could be skewing these numbers significantly. Before committing, ask the college for placement data and connect with recent graduates directly. If your child is passionate about human services, this program keeps debt manageable, but they should plan on pursuing a bachelor's degree to reach a sustainable income level—these associate-level earnings won't support financial independence in Michigan's current economy.