Compare 15 Packaging Science. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $66,076.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Packaging Science tells a different story. Across 15 programs, earnings range from $42,682 to $82,682—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Michigan State University's Packaging Science program leads with graduates earning $82,682, well above the $66,076 average. Western Michigan follows closely at $81,608, while Missouri University of Science and Technology delivers $77,792. These outcomes prove regional publics dominate this specialized field regardless of overall institutional prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Michigan State graduates borrow $23,250 and face just a 5.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families, University of Wisconsin-Stout leads with a 9.2% family burden, proving that the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $82,682 | 177 | $23,250 | Excellent | $37,401 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $81,608 | 24 | $26,188 | Excellent | $22,488 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $77,792 | 78 | $23,250 | Excellent | $30,462 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $75,732 | 35 | $23,000 | Excellent | $11,000 | Good | |
| #5 | Miami University-OxfordPublic | $74,576 | 36 | $23,000 | Excellent | $34,512 | Manageable |
| #6 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $71,186 | 106 | $22,869 | Excellent | $25,950 | Manageable |
| #7 | $68,919 | 31 | $24,990 | Excellent | $29,300 | Manageable | |
| #8 | $67,250 | 14 | $25,000 | Excellent | $36,438 | Challenging | |
| #9 | $66,653 | 53 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $65,996 | 51 | $25,000 | Excellent | $25,947 | Manageable | |
| #11 | $62,458 | 16 | $21,250 | Excellent | $23,602 | Manageable | |
| #12 | $56,663 | 35 | $25,000 | Good | $16,878 | Manageable | |
| #13 | $50,856 | 11 | $21,992 | Good | $15,092 | Challenging | |
| #14 | Washburn UniversityPublic | $46,087 | 7 | $18,127 | Good | $13,741 | Challenging |
| #15 | $42,682 | 16 | $21,229 | Manageable | $14,984 | 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 →
