Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Abcott Institute

Graduates of Abcott Institute's nursing assistant program earn less than half the state median for this credential, placing them in the bottom 10% statewide. At $21,658 one year out, these earnings lag dramatically behind what Michigan students typically achieve—the state median is $44,383, and nearby Schoolcraft Community College grads earn $75,104. Even more concerning, earnings actually drop to $19,013 by year four, suggesting graduates struggle to advance or maintain full-time employment in the field.

The debt burden is relatively modest at $11,542, about half the state average, which keeps the financial risk from being catastrophic. Still, owing the equivalent of seven months' income for credentials that yield poverty-level wages creates real hardship. The high Pell Grant rate (71%) indicates most students here already face economic challenges, making these subpar outcomes particularly troubling for families hoping this program will provide a pathway to stability.

Michigan has dozens of nursing assistant programs with dramatically better results at comparable or lower cost. Unless there are compelling geographic or personal circumstances that make Abcott the only viable option, families should strongly consider alternatives—even community colleges just a short drive away produce earnings two to three times higher.