Analysis
A social sciences degree from UM-Dearborn comes with estimated debt of $38,850—substantially higher than what graduates typically carry at comparable programs statewide ($29,198) or nationally ($25,500). That positions the program in the 5th percentile for debt nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with less to repay. While the debt load raises red flags, the earnings picture offers some reassurance: peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,459, which keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 1.04.
What's harder to reconcile is the four-year earnings figure of $35,904, which actually dips below the first-year estimate. This could reflect the volatility of small sample sizes (the DOE suppressed the original data here) or students in fields where early career progression is uneven. Meanwhile, graduates from Michigan State and Grand Valley—schools with reported data—are earning $44,000-$46,000, closer to Michigan's median for social sciences programs of $44,712.
The core concern here is whether UM-Dearborn's program can deliver outcomes that justify the above-average debt. Without actual earnings data for this specific campus, you're betting that your child's experience will align with national norms rather than state peers. If finances are tight, programs with lower debt loads would reduce that risk considerably.
Where University of Michigan-Dearborn Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's 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-Dearborn | — | $35,904 | — |
| Manhattan University | $41,062 | $85,294 | +108% |
| Vanderbilt University | $61,389 | $80,320 | +31% |
| Michigan State University | $46,206 | $50,723 | +10% |
| Grand Valley State University | $43,217 | $44,033 | +2% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Michigan-DearbornDearborn | $14,944 | $37,459* | $35,904 | $38,850 | — |
 Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing | $15,988 | $46,206* | $50,723 | $29,198 | 0.63 |
 Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale | $14,628 | $43,217* | $44,033 | $27,400 | 0.63 |
| National Median | — | $37,459* | — | $25,500 | 0.68 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
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-Dearborn, approximately 44% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 76 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.