Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology at University of Michigan-Flint

The psychology program at University of Michigan-Flint shows promise within Michigan, ranking in the 60th percentile for earnings despite a rocky start. While first-year earnings of $28,348 trail the national median by about $6,000, they actually exceed the state median. More importantly, graduates see substantial income growth by year four, reaching $45,354—a 60% increase that signals the degree may require additional credentialing or experience to pay off. The debt load of $28,500 is manageable but not exceptional, sitting near both state and national medians.

The real catch here is the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates were tracked. This makes the data less reliable than programs with larger cohorts, and individual circumstances could be skewing results significantly. Still, the earnings trajectory suggests graduates are finding their footing after an initial period of lower-paying work, typical for psychology bachelor's holders who often need graduate training or licensure for higher-earning clinical roles.

For parents of Michigan residents, this program offers middle-of-the-pack value compared to in-state alternatives. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.01 means your child would owe roughly one year's starting salary—workable if they're prepared for the field's typical career arc. Just remember these numbers represent a small group, and psychology bachelor's degrees often serve as stepping stones rather than terminal credentials.