Human Resources Management and Services at Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University's HR program delivers exactly average outcomes—which in the competitive Michigan market means falling behind. While the $50,259 starting salary matches the national median almost perfectly, it lags the state median by over $350 and ranks in just the 40th percentile among Michigan's 19 HR programs. More concerning, several public universities like Michigan State produce graduates earning $6,000 more annually, suggesting GVSU students aren't getting a proportional return on their state school investment.

The debt picture offers some consolation: at $25,452, graduates carry about $1,500 less than typical Michigan HR majors. The 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to handle loan payments. However, this modest debt advantage doesn't compensate for the earnings gap. Over a career, the salary difference between GVSU and higher-performing Michigan programs compounds significantly.

For Michigan families, this creates a straightforward calculation. If GVSU is the most affordable option after financial aid, the modest debt and reasonable earnings make it workable. But if comparing net costs with Michigan State or U-M Dearborn, those schools' substantially higher starting salaries—10-15% more—would likely justify even moderately higher attendance costs. The program isn't problematic, but it's not competitive with Michigan's stronger options either.