Compare 5 National Security Policy Studies. programs in Michigan. Average earnings: $39,733.
National Security Policy Studies programs produce graduates earning between $25,194 and $63,752—a $38K 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 National Security Policy Studies program leads with graduates earning $63,752, significantly above the $39,733 state average. Central Michigan University follows at $49,936, while Grand Valley State University graduates earn $31,762—a pattern that tracks program-level factors rather than overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Michigan State University graduates borrow $23,250 and face just a 7.7% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, graduates can pay off their student loans with about 4 months of salary.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $63,752 | 116 | $23,250 | Excellent | $37,401 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $49,936 | 25 | $27,000 | Manageable | $23,103 | High | |
| #3 | $31,762 | 35 | $24,500 | High | $26,392 | High | |
| #4 | Oakland UniversityPublic | $28,019 | 14 | $22,750 | High | $17,858 | High |
| #5 | $25,194 | 8 | $21,474 | High | $17,287 | 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 →
