Who earns the most in Michigan? Graduates of 4-year institutions

Many students are told that working toward and completing a bachelor's degree will pay off, but it is not always clear by how much. 

Data from the American Community Survey, part of the Census Bureau, shows that graduates with a bachelor's degree in Michigan earn on average $51,527 per year. While an associate's degree is a great first step, a bachelor's degree is game-changing for Michigan's workers.

In 2017, individuals with a bachelor's degree in Michigan earned nearly 50 percent (48.2 percent) more than individuals who had some college or an associate's degree.

For workers with a graduate or professional degree, median earnings were $70,518 or more than double those for individuals who had less than a bachelor's degree.