Est. Earnings (1yr)
$55,819
Est. from national median (20 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$22,394
Est. from national median (13 programs)

Analysis

A specialized insurance degree is relatively uncommon—only 65 schools nationwide offer it—and peer programs suggest steady, if unspectacular, early returns. With estimated first-year earnings around $56,000 and debt near $22,400, graduates from comparable programs face a debt load equal to just 40% of their starting salary. That's manageable by most measures, allowing for comfortable repayment while building experience in a field known for stable demand.

Michigan's insurance job market appears reasonably robust, with the state median slightly above the national figure at $56,000. Ferris State's program likely prepares students for roles in underwriting, claims, or risk management—positions that typically offer clear advancement paths as professionals gain certifications and expertise. The relatively accessible admission profile (81% acceptance rate) suggests this isn't a highly selective program, but in insurance, technical knowledge and licensing often matter more than institutional prestige.

The core question is whether your child needs a specialized bachelor's for insurance careers, since many enter the field with general business degrees or through direct hiring and training. If they're certain about this career path, the estimated debt burden is reasonable and the earnings appear stable. However, given that these figures come from peer programs rather than Ferris State's actual graduates, verify the school's industry connections and internship placement—those practical elements often determine early career success more than the classroom curriculum alone.

Where Ferris State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all insurance bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Insurance bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (3 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids$13,630$55,819*—$22,394*—
The University of OlivetOlivet$33,076$56,027*$63,422$24,710*0.44
National Median—$55,819*—$22,728*0.41
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with insurance graduates

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists

Conduct programs of compensation and benefits and job analysis for employer. May specialize in specific areas, such as position classification and pension programs.

$77,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Sales Agents

Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company.

$60,370/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Appraisers of Personal and Business Property

Appraise and estimate the fair value of tangible personal or business property, such as jewelry, art, antiques, collectibles, and equipment. May also appraise land.

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 Ferris State University, approximately 34% 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 national median of 20 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.