Est. Earnings (1yr)
$66,418
Est. from national median (21 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,833
Est. from national median (17 programs)

Analysis

Michigan employers appear willing to pay Quality Control and Safety Technologies graduates competitively—peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $66,400, notably above the $58,800 median that reported data from other Michigan schools show. With estimated debt near $25,800, this translates to a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly 39% of their first year's salary.

The challenge here is uncertainty. Both the earnings and debt figures come from comparable programs nationally because Ferris State's graduate sample is too small for the Department of Education to publish. That could mean this is a boutique program with excellent placement, or it could mean enrollment is limited for other reasons. The national benchmark suggests graduates enter a specialized field with decent immediate earning potential, but without knowing how Ferris State's specific industry connections compare to programs elsewhere, you're making assumptions about outcomes.

For families willing to accept that uncertainty, the estimated debt load is reasonable enough that even if actual earnings landed closer to the Michigan median of $58,800, repayment would remain feasible. But if you need confidence in the numbers before committing, recognize you're working with national averages rather than this institution's track record. Consider whether Ferris State's reputation in Michigan manufacturing and industrial sectors—areas where quality control expertise matters—gives you enough assurance to proceed despite the missing data.

Where Ferris State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all quality control and safety technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (4 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids$13,630$66,418*—$25,833*—
Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale$14,628$58,781*$77,049$29,000*0.49
National Median—$66,418*—$25,833*0.39
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with quality control and safety technologies/technicians graduates

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.

$78,900/yrJobs growth:

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians

Collect data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists. Implement and conduct evaluation of programs designed to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers.

$78,900/yrJobs growth:

Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.

$64,790/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Implement production processes and operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition. Operate advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects. Work under the supervision of nanoengineering staff.

$64,790/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.

$58,890/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers

Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and complex test equipment.

$47,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 21 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.