Analysis
Oakland University's Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods program delivers first-year earnings of $69,446, placing it among the top performers for this degree in Michigan. This matches Michigan State's outcomes and substantially outpaces programs at Grand Valley State ($46,886) and Northwood ($54,298). For a relatively accessible institution with a 70% admission rate, these outcomes are particularly strong.
The estimated debt picture—around $24,875 based on similar four-year programs at Oakland—suggests a manageable financial burden. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, meaning graduates would need roughly four months of their first-year salary to cover their total student debt. While we can't verify exact borrowing levels for this specific program's graduates, the state median provides a reasonable baseline for planning purposes.
The combination of competitive earnings and moderate estimated debt makes this program worth serious consideration, especially for students who might not gain admission to Michigan's more selective schools. Oakland graduates appear to access similar entry-level opportunities as their peers from Michigan State while attending a more accessible institution. The real question is whether your student can maintain the academic performance needed to succeed in a quantitative program—these degrees require strong analytical skills regardless of where you earn them.
Where Oakland University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Oakland University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,694 | $69,446 | — | $24,875* | — | |
| $15,988 | $69,443 | $74,432 | $23,250* | 0.33 | |
| $14,190 | $66,149 | $75,013 | $24,250* | 0.37 | |
| $14,944 | $61,297 | — | $25,500* | 0.42 | |
| $33,000 | $54,298 | — | —* | — | |
| $14,628 | $46,886 | $56,527 | $26,000* | 0.55 | |
| National Median | — | $62,069 | — | $23,250* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Operations Research Analysts
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 University, approximately 30% 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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 16 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.