Compare 5 Geography. programs in Michigan. Average earnings: $45,307.
Geography programs produce graduates earning between $34,530 and $65,193—a $31K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 5 ranked programs in Michigan, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Michigan State University's Geography program leads with graduates earning $65,193—41% above the state average of $45,307. The gap between MSU and the lowest-earning program exceeds $30K, proving that even within the same field and state, program-level factors drive outcomes more than school brand recognition.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Michigan State graduates borrow $23,250 and face just a 7.5% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, graduates can cover their entire student debt with about 4 months of salary.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $65,193 | 17 | $23,250 | Excellent | $37,401 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $46,379 | 23 | $24,500 | Manageable | $26,392 | High | |
| #3 | $41,103 | 20 | $25,000 | Challenging | $16,878 | High | |
| #4 | $39,328 | 20 | $26,188 | Challenging | $22,488 | High | |
| #5 | $34,530 | 14 | $27,000 | High | $23,103 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
