Statistics at Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State's statistics graduates start at $43,668—landing in the bottom 10th percentile both nationally and within Michigan, where the state median is $63,649. That's a $20,000 gap compared to Michigan State or University of Michigan graduates doing the same work with the same degree title. While earnings do climb impressively to $65,601 by year four (a 50% jump that catches up to competitive levels), those first few years earning significantly below market rate represent real money left on the table and potentially delayed financial milestones.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $27,000, it's manageable and only slightly above Michigan's median for statistics programs. The 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about seven months of their first-year salary, which isn't catastrophic. However, combining below-market starting pay with any debt creates a tighter margin than you'd find at peer institutions where graduates start $20,000 higher.

The core question is whether you're comfortable with your child earning substantially less than other Michigan statistics graduates for those critical first years post-graduation. The eventual earnings recovery suggests the degree has value, but if your child could access U-M or MSU—or even directional schools performing closer to state averages—they'd start their financial lives on much stronger footing. This program works best for students who either can't access higher-performing alternatives or have compelling non-financial reasons to attend GVSU.