Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,904
Est. from MI median (12 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$30,829
Est. from MI median (4 programs)

Analysis

A bachelor's in Liberal Arts from Kuyper College comes with an estimated debt load of $30,829—roughly $4,000 above the national median for this field and closely aligned with what similar Michigan private colleges report. Projected first-year earnings of about $38,000 mirror the state median but trail significantly behind what other Michigan schools achieve: Spring Arbor grads earn nearly $47,000, and even mid-tier programs push past $40,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 means you're looking at nearly a full year's salary in loans for a credential where Michigan already shows wide variation in outcomes.

The numbers matter here because this field rarely commands premium starting salaries, making that $30,000+ debt harder to manage than it would be in higher-earning majors. With 32% of Kuyper students on Pell grants, many families are stretching financially to attend, and the estimated outcomes don't suggest this program delivers exceptional value compared to peer institutions in the state. You're essentially betting on comparable results to the typical Michigan liberal arts program, not the standout performers.

If your student is drawn to Kuyper's specific mission or community, understand you're likely paying more and earning less than alternatives within an hour's drive. That gap between debt and early earnings won't resolve itself quickly in general liberal arts roles.

Where Kuyper College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (29 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Kuyper CollegeGrand Rapids$26,390$37,904*$30,829*
Spring Arbor UniversitySpring Arbor$32,580$47,121*$30,657*0.65
Siena Heights UniversityAdrian$29,778$44,746*$46,912$27,137*0.61
Baker CollegeOwosso$12,810$42,426*$42,418$44,313*1.04
Saginaw Valley State UniversityUniversity Center$12,240$40,740*$56,972$38,865*0.95
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids$13,630$38,583*$29,852*0.77
National Median$36,340*$27,000*0.74
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.

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 Kuyper College, approximately 32% 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 median of 12 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.