Human Development, Family Studies, at Ferris State University

Ferris State's Human Development program graduates see their earnings decline from $35,216 in year one to just under $32,000 by year four—a troubling trajectory that suggests either limited advancement opportunities or graduates shifting into lower-paying roles. While first-year earnings match Michigan's median and exceed the national average by about $1,700, that initial advantage evaporates as peers at other schools continue climbing the salary ladder. The $25,769 debt burden seems manageable at first glance (73% of first-year earnings), but it becomes heavier when measured against where graduates actually land four years out.

Within Michigan, Ferris sits squarely in the middle of the pack, with Spring Arbor and Baker College graduates earning $1,000-2,000 more annually. The program serves its purpose for students seeking affordable entry into family services or education fields, particularly given Ferris's reasonable debt levels compared to Michigan's $29,539 median. But the earnings decline demands explanation: Are graduates pursuing additional credentials? Shifting to part-time work for family reasons? Or simply hitting a career ceiling?

For families banking on income growth to manage loan repayment, this pattern is concerning. If your child is passionate about this field, ensure they understand the career paths that lead to advancement—whether that means graduate school, licensure, or strategic job selection—rather than assuming experience alone will increase their paycheck.