Compare 71 Labor Studies. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $55,328.
The highest-earning Labor Studies program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $33K earnings gap across 71 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Labor Studies program leads with graduates earning $92,289. The average across all programs is $55,328, yet Michigan State ($80,270) demonstrates how regional publics compete effectively. Northwestern, despite its selectivity (7% acceptance), trails at $76,995.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates borrow $19,500 and face just a 3.8% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income.
Highest program earnings: $92,289
Strong outcomes ($80,270) with 84% acceptance
3.8% payment burden | Excellent
10.7% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $92,289 | 46 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Good | |
| #2 | $80,270 | 124 | $23,250 | Excellent | $37,401 | Manageable | |
| #3 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $76,995 | 19 | $15,000 | Excellent | $26,966 | Good |
| #4 | Bethel UniversityPrivate | $76,632 | 28 | $21,500 | Excellent | $24,157 | Manageable |
| #5 | Benedictine UniversityPrivate | $70,999 | 18 | $22,500 | Excellent | $22,900 | Manageable |
| #6 | $68,275 | 13 | $21,500 | Excellent | $14,676 | Good | |
| #7 | University Of IowaPublic | $67,540 | 143 | $22,500 | Excellent | $27,975 | Manageable |
| #8 | University Of St ThomasPrivate | $65,066 | 21 | $23,250 | Excellent | $24,467 | Manageable |
| #9 | $64,319 | 45 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Manageable | |
| #10 | Xavier UniversityPrivate | $63,649 | 6 | $23,250 | Excellent | $37,885 | Challenging |
| #11 | Grand View UniversityPrivate | $63,128 | 9 | $22,500 | Excellent | $20,398 | Manageable |
| #12 | $62,414 | 109 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,729 | Manageable | |
| #13 | $62,039 | 37 | $21,500 | Excellent | $13,500 | Manageable | |
| #14 | Lewis UniversityPrivate | $60,962 | 24 | $21,500 | Excellent | $23,044 | Manageable |
| #15 | Southwestern CollegePrivate | $60,580 | 15 | $25,000 | Good | $19,900 | Manageable |
| #16 | Oakland UniversityPublic | $60,527 | 207 | $22,750 | Good | $17,858 | Manageable |
| #17 | $60,257 | 26 | $25,750 | Good | $24,831 | Challenging | |
| #18 | $59,968 | 62 | $27,000 | Good | $23,103 | Challenging | |
| #19 | University Of St FrancisPrivate | $59,823 | 7 | $21,079 | Excellent | $24,148 | Manageable |
| #20 | Ball State UniversityPublic | $59,740 | 41 | $23,250 | Good | $20,800 | Manageable |
| #21 | $59,512 | 29 | $24,000 | Good | $16,900 | Manageable | |
| #22 | Roosevelt UniversityPrivate | $59,191 | 7 | $22,000 | Good | $27,213 | Challenging |
| #23 | $59,087 | 62 | $23,188 | Good | $18,635 | Manageable | |
| #24 | Marquette UniversityPrivate | $58,898 | 18 | $23,940 | Good | $45,500 | High |
| #25 | Davenport UniversityPrivate | $57,458 | 49 | $26,000 | Good | $18,037 | Challenging |
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 →
