Human Resources at Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public · Certificate · Human Resources Management and Services

A 81% acceptance rate means Ferris State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 8,087 students in Big Rapids, MI.

Program Analysis

Ferris State University's Human Resources graduates start at $53,029/yr — above the $43,780 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 42.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Human Resources career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $17,626 in median debt clears fast against $53,029 in annual earnings.

Ferris State University ranks #6 among 36 Human Resources programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $53,029 to $57,829 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

The 13 apprenticeship pathways connected to Human Resources reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

69 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
65
Low End
69
Score
71
High End
Earnings $53,029/yr (21% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (52% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (253,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$586K
2.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
43.0x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
13 of 13
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$13,630
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,626
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,829
9% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Human Resources graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Compensation and benefits managers $140,360 +0.2% 49%
Human resources managers $140,030 +5.0% 52%
Training and development managers $127,090 +5.8% 50%
Compensation and benefits managers
$140,360
+0.2% growth 49% AI-proof
Human resources managers
$140,030
+5.0% growth 52% AI-proof
Training and development managers
$127,090
+5.8% growth 50% AI-proof

View all 13 career paths with full salary data →

Human Resources Career Guide

What can you do with a Human Resources credential from Ferris State University? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Human Resources career guide →

Compare & Explore

Human Resources Overview

Human Resources at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ferris State University

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 69/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Human Resources at Ferris State University?
This program scores 69/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Human Resources graduates.
What's the AI risk for Human Resources graduates from Ferris State University?
AI won't eliminate Human Resources careers, but it may reshape them. At Ferris State University, a score of 69/100 already accounts for the 48% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
What makes Ferris State University's Human Resources program stand out?
Ranked #6 of 36 programs nationally, Ferris State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Human Resources graduates?
Yes — 13 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Human Resources career paths, including Apprenticeship And Training Representative (Gov Only). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Ferris State University.
Is there demand for Human Resources workers?
With approximately 253,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Human Resources offers a very large employment pool. Ferris State University graduates enter a market shaped by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →