Quality Control & Safety Technology 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 & Safety Technology 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 & Safety Technology 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 & Safety Technology 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 & Safety Technology 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 & Safety Technology 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 & Safety Technology at Grand Valley State University?
At 66/100, the score looks reasonable — but Quality Control & Safety Technology 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 & Safety Technology 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 →