Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at Northern Michigan University

Northern Michigan's social services program lands in a challenging spot—first-year earnings of $35,196 fall well below both the state median ($40,333) and national median ($40,004) for this field. With an estimated debt load of $26,000 based on similar programs at the institution, graduates would face about three-quarters of their first-year salary in loans, a heavier burden than the financial return typically justifies for this career path. That $5,000 earnings gap compared to peer Michigan programs like Davenport or Central Michigan compounds over time, even with the 14% growth to year four.

The concerning piece is that other accessible options in Michigan produce better outcomes in this same field without requiring significantly different credentials or selectivity. Social services work is meaningful but rarely high-paying—starting at $35K makes the estimated debt harder to manage when programs just hours away are launching graduates into the low $40Ks. The earnings trajectory doesn't suggest this gap closes quickly enough to offset the difference.

If your child is committed to this specific program at Northern Michigan for location or campus fit reasons, the estimated debt level isn't catastrophic but should prompt serious conversations about minimizing borrowing. Otherwise, looking at Central Michigan or Davenport—both reporting actual outcomes above $40K—would likely mean less financial stress in those crucial early career years when loan payments hit hardest.