Health Professions at Oakland University

Oakland University's Health Professions program starts graduates at just $29,225—well below both the Michigan median of $34,203 and national average of $38,492. While that first-year figure ranks in only the 5th percentile nationally, there's a notable rebound: earnings jump 46% to nearly $43,000 by year four, which actually exceeds both state and national averages. This trajectory suggests graduates may be entering the field through lower-paying entry positions before moving into better-compensated roles, though it also means tighter finances in those crucial early years when loan payments begin.

The debt load of $25,000 is slightly below typical for health professions programs, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio manageable at 0.86 despite the low starting salary. However, the gap with Ferris State is striking—their health professions graduates earn $50,543 initially, nearly double Oakland's first-year number. If your child is deciding between these Michigan programs and the higher-earning trajectory matters for their specific career path, that comparison deserves serious consideration.

This program appears geared toward students planning careers that require working up from entry-level clinical or healthcare support roles. The eventual earnings are solid, but parents should ensure their child can manage lean first-year finances or has a clear path to those better-paying positions by year four.