Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Detroit Mercy

The dramatic 89% earnings jump from $37,972 to $71,695 tells an intriguing story, but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift significantly with more data. That first-year number ranks in just the 25th percentile among Michigan business programs—well below the state median of $50,550—while the four-year figure climbs much closer to statewide norms. This pattern could reflect graduates taking time to break into better roles, or it might simply be noise from limited data points.

The $22,735 debt load offers some cushion relative to both state and national medians, making the initial financial picture less painful than at pricier Michigan alternatives. However, starting nearly $13,000 behind the typical Michigan business graduate creates real disadvantages: delayed savings, postponed major purchases, and less negotiating leverage early in your career. The gap to programs like Michigan State ($71,253 at four years) or Oakland University ($62,359) narrows over time in this dataset, but whether that convergence holds with more graduates remains uncertain.

Given the small sample and below-average starting salaries, treat these numbers as a yellow flag rather than a green light. If your child is considering this program, the lower debt helps, but the weak early earnings compared to other Michigan options—including regional universities like Grand Valley and UM-Dearborn—suggest you should carefully compare specific placement outcomes and employer connections before committing.