Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates in Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies start modestly at $34,000 but see strong earnings growth—jumping 33% to $45,000 by year four. That trajectory outpaces the typical pattern for this field and suggests these graduates are successfully translating their degree into professional advancement. While starting salaries land near the median for this major nationally, UMich students carry substantially less debt than peers elsewhere: $14,802 versus a $23,000 national median.

That debt advantage is critical. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, graduates face manageable repayment even in those early career years when salaries are lowest. The combination of Michigan's institutional reputation and relatively affordable in-state tuition (for Michigan residents) creates a financial profile that's considerably more favorable than the typical pathway through this degree program. Among Michigan schools offering this major, these outcomes sit right at the state median for earnings, which reflects the limited number of programs available statewide.

For families comfortable with starting salaries in the mid-30s, this program offers a defensible path—especially compared to most ethnic and cultural studies programs that leave graduates with higher debt and lower earnings. The key is understanding that year-four earnings matter more here than first-year figures, and graduates appear to be finding their footing professionally as they gain experience.