Location: Auburn Hills, MI•In-State Tuition: $3,020•Out-of-State Tuition: $5,560
Median Earnings (1yr)
$30,486
79th percentile
80th percentile in Michigan
Median Debt
$17,310
18% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.57 ManageableSample: 19 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Oakland Community College graduates in this program earn about $30,400 annually—roughly $6,000 more than the typical Michigan graduate in this field and $4,500 above the national median. That 80th percentile ranking among Michigan programs is significant, especially since this is a community college with relatively modest debt. However, the sample size here is quite small (under 30 graduates), so these figures could shift considerably with more data.

The concerning part isn't the debt load itself—$17,310 is manageable at a 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio. It's that earnings remain completely flat between years one and four, stuck around $30,400. This suggests limited room for advancement without additional credentials, which is common in early childhood education and family services roles. Students should understand they're likely looking at wages in this range for the foreseeable future unless they pursue a bachelor's degree.

For parents evaluating this as a two-year investment, the math works better than most similar programs in Michigan, and the debt is reasonable enough to repay on these wages. But view this realistically as either an entry point to a four-year program or a path to stable but limited-growth employment. If your child plans to stop at the associate's level, make sure they're comfortable with $30,000 as a long-term earning potential.

Where Oakland Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human development, family studies, associates's programs nationally

Oakland Community CollegeOther human development, family studies, programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Oakland Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Oakland Community College earns $30k — 79th percentile among human development, family studies, associates programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Oakland Community College$30,486$30,388-0%
Central New Mexico Community College$31,256$37,017+18%
Saint Paul College$32,055$32,298+1%
Baker College$22,557$27,032+20%
Delta College$21,881$20,172-8%

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Human Development, Family Studies, associates's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (23 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Oakland Community CollegeAuburn Hills$3,020$30,486$30,388$17,3100.57
Grand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids$4,059$25,539—$12,8630.50
Baker CollegeOwosso$12,810$22,557$27,032$23,4241.04
Delta CollegeUniversity Center$4,640$21,881$20,172$14,4780.66
National Median—$25,838—$14,6140.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human development, family studies, graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

$45,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Childcare Workers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Nannies

Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

All community and social service specialists not listed separately.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

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 Oakland Community College, approximately 27% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 19 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.