Quality Control at Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
66 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
66
Optimistic
66
Base Case
63
Pessimistic
Earnings $58,781/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk High (39% exposed)
Job Market Large (95,600 openings/yr)
ROI 12.2x earnings multiple (8.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #11 of 21 Quality Control programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Quality Control graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $729K $713K $638K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.5x 12.2x 10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.8x 8.6x 7.7x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 66 66 63

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,512
Out-of-state: $83,280 (8.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,384
-17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,894
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$84,815
44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $58,781/yr, Quality Control graduates from Grand Valley State University land near the $63,917 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 12.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Quality Control career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $28,894 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #11 ranking among 21 Quality Control programs places Grand Valley State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 44% earnings increase from $58,781 to $84,815 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Grand Valley State University

With 95% of applicants admitted, Grand Valley State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 19,073 students in Allendale, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Grand Valley State University →

Top Career Paths

Occupational health and safety specialists $83,910/yr
Industrial engineering technologists and technicians $64,790/yr
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians $58,890/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Quality Control at Other Schools

Other Majors at Grand Valley State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 66/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Quality Control at Grand Valley State University?
At 66/100, the score looks reasonable — but Quality Control is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Quality Control at Grand Valley State University?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →