Human Development, Family Studies, (Bachelor's Degree) at Spring Arbor University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$37,401

82nd percentile

60th percentile in Michigan

Median Debt

$26,000

4% above national median

Analysis

Spring Arbor's Human Development and Family Studies program produces graduates earning $37,401 in their first year—about $2,200 more than the Michigan median and $4,000 above the national benchmark. While this places them in the 60th percentile statewide (just ahead of established programs at Central Michigan and Western Michigan), the small sample size means these numbers could shift considerably with more data. The $26,000 debt load is actually lower than Michigan's typical $29,539 for this field, creating a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70.

The concern here isn't the numbers themselves—they're competitive—but rather the reliability. With fewer than 30 recent graduates, you're looking at a boutique program where outcomes could vary significantly from year to year. For context, Baker College's larger program shows similar earnings with only slightly more debt. If your student is drawn to Spring Arbor's private Christian environment and smaller class sizes, these outcomes suggest the premium isn't hurting financially. The program appears to prepare graduates adequately for entry-level positions in social services, education, or family support roles.

The practical consideration: with a 37% admission rate and modest SAT averages, Spring Arbor isn't particularly selective, so getting in shouldn't be the barrier. The question is whether the private school experience justifies any cost difference over Michigan's public alternatives, given that earning potential across these programs looks fairly similar regardless of institution.

Where Spring Arbor University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Spring Arbor University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (17 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Spring Arbor UniversitySpring Arbor	$32,580	$37,401	—	$26,000	0.70
Baker CollegeOwosso	$12,810	$36,494	$35,828	$43,076	1.18
Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant	$14,190	$35,318	$39,851	$27,209	0.77
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids	$13,630	$35,216	$31,983	$25,769	0.73
Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo	$15,298	$35,209	$38,672	$29,539	0.84
Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti	$15,510	$33,911	—	$33,885	1.00
National Median	—	$33,543	—	$25,000	0.75

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 Spring Arbor University, approximately 26% 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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.