Science Technologies/Technicians at Oakland Community College

Oakland Community College graduates in this program start strong—really strong. That $53,078 first-year salary puts them in the 95th percentile nationally for science technology programs, crushing the national median by nearly $5,000. The debt load of just over $12,000 is manageable at roughly 23 cents per dollar earned, meaning most graduates could reasonably pay this off within a couple of years if they prioritize it.

The concerning pattern is what happens next. Earnings drop 11% by year four to $47,462, falling below the national median. This decline could reflect several scenarios: graduates might be taking positions that plateau quickly, the local job market might push them toward lower-paying roles over time, or they could be staying in entry-level positions while peers from other programs advance. With only two Michigan schools offering this associate's degree, there's limited state-level comparison data, but Oakland's 60th percentile ranking suggests decent regional positioning despite the decline.

For parents, this program offers a quick entry point into science-related work with minimal debt risk. The first-year earnings justify the investment, but your child should plan to leverage that initial position strategically—either by pursuing additional credentials or by being deliberate about career advancement—rather than assuming natural salary growth over time.