Compare 5 Social Sciences, General. programs in Michigan. Average earnings: $45,128.
The highest-earning Social Sciences, General. program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $17K earnings gap across 5 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Central Michigan University's Social Sciences, General. program leads with graduates earning $52,781, well above the statewide average of $45,128. Michigan State follows at $50,723, while Grand Valley State produces graduates earning $44,033—demonstrating that regional publics compete effectively in this field.
Highest program earnings: $52,781
Strong outcomes with 91% acceptance
11.3% payment burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
24.3% family burden | Challenging - payment 18-25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $52,781 | 70 | $27,000 | Manageable | $23,103 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $50,723 | 129 | $23,250 | Good | $37,401 | High | |
| #3 | $44,033 | 49 | $24,500 | Manageable | $26,392 | High | |
| #4 | Kalamazoo CollegePrivate | $42,198 | 23 | $26,077 | Challenging | $49,500 | High |
| #5 | $35,904 | 15 | $22,500 | Challenging | $16,132 | 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 →
