Human Resources Management and Services at Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public · Certificate

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 Management and Services 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 Management and Services 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 Management and Services 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 Management and Services 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 Management and Services 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 →

About Human Resources Management and Services Careers

Your day could start with guiding a new hire through their paperwork as a Human Resources Specialist, then shift to investigating a workplace issue in the afternoon. Or you might find your niche as a Training and Development Specialist, designing interactive workshops or creating e-learning modules for new company software. Most careers begin in a specialist or assistant role, handling day-to-day employee needs using HR information systems.

Read the full Human Resources Management and Services career guide →

Compare & Explore

Human Resources Management and Services Overview

Human Resources Management and Services 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 Management and Services at Ferris State University?
This program scores 69/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Human Resources Management and Services graduates.
Should I worry about AI if I study Human Resources Management and Services?
AI won't 'replace' Human Resources Management and Services careers outright, but it is likely to reduce job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses employment probability in our scenarios.
What makes Ferris State University's Human Resources Management and Services 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 Management and Services graduates?
Human Resources Management and Services connects to 13 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
How many job openings are there for Human Resources Management and Services graduates?
With approximately 253,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Human Resources Management and Services offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →