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
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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $64,371 | $98,758 | +53% |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $93,111 | $142,883 | +53% |
| Duke University | $97,197 | $113,854 | +17% |
| Michigan State University | $63,649 | $81,993 | +29% |
| Grand Valley State University | $43,668 | $65,601 | +50% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Statistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,228 | $64,371 | $98,758 | $23,250 | 0.36 | |
| $15,988 | $63,649 | $81,993 | $25,625 | 0.40 | |
| $14,628 | $43,668 | $65,601 | $27,000 | 0.62 | |
| National Median | — | $59,718 | — | $20,150 | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with statistics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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.