Median Earnings (1yr)
$64,371
62nd percentile (60th in MI)
Median Debt
$23,250
15% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.36
Manageable
Sample Size
49
Adequate data

Analysis

A Michigan Statistics degree proves its worth quickly: graduates earning $64,371 in their first year see their income jump 53% to nearly $99,000 by year four—substantially outpacing the trajectory at peer institutions. With debt of just $23,250, new graduates face monthly loan payments around $240, leaving plenty of room for student loan repayment while building savings in those crucial early career years.

The numbers reveal consistent strength across benchmarks. This program outperforms the state median (ranking 60th percentile among Michigan statistics programs) while keeping debt below both state and national averages. That's particularly notable given U-M's selectivity and reputation—students get the prestige and network of a top-tier university without the debt burden that often comes with elite privates. The comparison to Michigan State, which reports identical first-year earnings, suggests comparable immediate outcomes across Michigan's flagship publics, though U-M's stronger four-year figure hints at better long-term trajectory.

For families weighing the 18% admission rate against ROI concerns, the math works. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 means graduates can realistically follow the standard advice of keeping total debt below their first year's salary, and the strong earnings growth suggests this program opens doors to advancement. If your child can handle the academics and wants a quantitative skillset with clear career prospects, this represents solid value.

Where University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all statistics bachelors's programs nationally

University of Michigan-Ann ArborOther statistics programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

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

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn $64k, placing them in the 62th percentile of all statistics bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Statistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (13 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor$64,371$98,758$23,2500.36
Michigan State University$63,649$81,993$25,6250.40
Grand Valley State University$43,668$65,601$27,0000.62
National Median$59,718—$20,1500.34

Other Statistics Programs in Michigan

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Michigan State University
East Lansing
$15,988$63,649$25,625
Grand Valley State University
Allendale
$14,628$43,668$27,000

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 49 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.