2026 ROI Award Winner
Median Earnings (1yr)
$82,714
95th percentile
Median Debt
$14,225
47% below national median

Analysis

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's HR program completely redefines what's possible in this field. While the typical HR graduate in Michigan earns around $50,600 their first year, U-M graduates pull in $82,714—64% more than the state median and nearly double what peers earn at other Michigan schools. This isn't just marginally better; it's a different category of outcome entirely. The program ranks in the 95th percentile both nationally and statewide, meaning it outperforms 95% of all HR programs in the country.

The financial picture is equally impressive. With just $14,225 in median debt—roughly half the national average—graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in about two months of gross earnings. That's extraordinarily manageable. Earnings also grow steadily to $92,289 by year four, suggesting graduates are advancing into management roles rather than plateauing.

For parents weighing the cost of U-M's competitive admission process and tuition, this program delivers clear ROI. Your child would be entering the workforce with both the Michigan brand and earnings that vastly exceed what they'd find at more accessible in-state options. If they can get in and you can manage the four-year investment, the HR path at U-M appears to be one of the strongest career launches available in this field anywhere in the country.

Where University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor$82,714$92,289+12%
Michigan State University$56,501$80,270+42%
Oakland University$51,010$60,527+19%
Concordia University Ann Arbor$58,982$60,257+2%
Central Michigan University$50,612$59,968+18%

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Human Resources Management and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (19 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor$17,228$82,714$92,289$14,2250.17
Concordia University Ann ArborAnn Arbor$34,200$58,982$60,257$37,0500.63
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing$15,988$56,501$80,270$23,4750.42
University of Michigan-DearbornDearborn$14,944$55,944$22,8310.41
Davenport UniversityGrand Rapids$23,324$51,681$57,458$31,1120.60
Oakland UniversityRochester Hills$14,694$51,010$60,527$25,4800.50
National Median$50,361$26,6250.53

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human resources management and services graduates

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Training and Development Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.

$127,090/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Labor Relations Specialists

Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.

$93,500/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Law Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in law. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Compliance Officers

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Coroners

Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Regulatory Affairs Specialists

Coordinate and document internal regulatory processes, such as internal audits, inspections, license renewals, or registrations. May compile and prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, approximately 18% 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 51 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.