Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at University of Michigan-Dearborn

Based on comparable programs in Michigan, this bachelor's degree in mental and social health services appears financially workable, though graduates should expect a modest starting salary. First-year earnings around $40,000 align with both state and national medians for this field, while estimated debt of $26,000 sits below typical borrowing levels. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 means graduates would owe roughly eight months' salary—manageable territory that shouldn't overwhelm monthly budgets in those critical early career years.

The challenge here is less about the numbers themselves and more about what they mean practically. At $40,000 annually, graduates will need to budget carefully, especially if living in metro Detroit where housing costs have climbed. The field itself—which includes substance abuse counseling, community health work, and related support roles—often requires additional credentials or graduate training for advancement, so this bachelor's degree may represent just the first step. The 44% Pell grant rate at UM-Dearborn suggests the school serves students for whom every dollar counts.

Given the small graduate cohort that triggered data suppression, prospective students should directly ask the department about typical job placements and whether alumni needed further schooling. The comparable programs statewide show relatively tight clustering in outcomes, which offers some reassurance that this estimate likely reflects reality. If your child is committed to this helping profession and comfortable with the entry-level salary, the debt load won't derail their plans.