Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Michigan-Dearborn

At first glance, University of Michigan-Dearborn's liberal arts program looks reasonably successful—graduates carry manageable debt at just under $33,000, well below the national norm, and earn slightly above the national median for this field. The concerning issue isn't the starting point but the trajectory: earnings essentially flatline at around $38,000 from year one through year four, suggesting limited career progression in the early years. This places the program below the state median and in the 40th percentile among Michigan liberal arts programs, where competitors like Spring Arbor and Siena Heights see graduates earning $44,000 to $47,000 four years out.

The financial picture isn't alarming—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86 means graduates can realistically manage their loans—but families should understand they're paying for a credential that delivers middle-of-the-pack outcomes in Michigan. With 44% of students receiving Pell grants, this is clearly serving a population that needs education to pay off economically. The stagnant earnings growth through year four is the real caution flag here, suggesting graduates may need additional credentials or strategic career moves to see meaningful salary increases. If your child is considering this path, the relatively low debt is a plus, but plan for the long game—this isn't a degree that appears to unlock rapid earnings growth on its own.