Analysis
Four years after graduation, Kuyper's social work graduates earn less than they did in their first year out—$34,729 compared to an estimated $37,858 initially. This backward slide is unusual and concerning, especially when comparable Michigan programs show graduates typically earning around $38,000 in their first year. The state's top social work programs at universities like Michigan-Flint and Wayne State produce graduates earning $39,000-$40,000, suggesting Kuyper's outcomes trail the field.
The estimated debt load of $27,000 aligns with both state and national medians for social work degrees, making the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 reasonable on paper. But that calculation assumes the higher first-year estimate holds true—the actual four-year figure tells a different story. At $34,729, graduates would face a tighter financial picture than the ratio suggests, with monthly loan payments consuming a larger share of take-home pay in a field already known for modest salaries.
For a competitive program where only one-third of applicants gain admission, these earnings don't reflect selectivity that translates into career advantage. Before committing, compare specific job placement rates and career support services at Kuyper versus larger Michigan programs that demonstrate clearer upward earnings trajectories for their social work graduates.
Where Kuyper College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuyper College | — | $34,729 | — |
| Michigan State University | $34,089 | $49,259 | +45% |
| Hope College | $37,270 | $48,054 | +29% |
| Saginaw Valley State University | $38,503 | $47,583 | +24% |
| Western Michigan University | $37,205 | $46,946 | +26% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Kuyper CollegeGrand Rapids | $26,390 | $37,858* | $34,729 | $27,000* | — |
 University of Michigan-FlintFlint | $14,014 | $40,371* | $46,279 | $38,000* | 0.94 |
 Wayne State UniversityDetroit | $14,297 | $39,774* | $41,817 | $28,012* | 0.70 |
 Spring Arbor UniversitySpring Arbor | $32,580 | $39,071* | $44,456 | $29,893* | 0.77 |
 Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids | $13,630 | $38,870* | $43,864 | $27,500* | 0.71 |
 Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti | $15,510 | $38,517* | $43,619 | $31,111* | 0.81 |
| National Median | — | $37,296* | — | $26,362* | 0.71 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Social Workers, All Other
Counselors, All Other
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 14 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.