Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Davenport University

Davenport University's nursing program starts strong with $72,486 in first-year earnings, but that figure drops to $62,889 by year four—a 13% decline that's unusual in a field where experience typically commands higher pay. This downward trajectory places the program in just the 40th percentile among Michigan's 28 nursing programs, notably below the state median of $74,851 and trailing competitors like University of Michigan-Flint by more than $17,000 at the four-year mark.

The debt picture compounds these concerns. At $46,829, graduates carry nearly double the national median ($27,000) and well above Michigan's typical $28,800. While the debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio of 0.65 looks manageable initially, it worsens considerably as earnings decline rather than grow. You're essentially betting on that stronger starting salary to offset significant debt, but the data suggests many graduates aren't building on that early advantage.

For families considering this program, the combination of above-average debt and below-average long-term earnings creates a challenging financial equation. The 97% admission rate and solid sample size make these numbers reliable indicators of typical outcomes. Unless your child has specific reasons to choose Davenport—location, scheduling flexibility, or existing connections—Michigan offers multiple nursing programs with stronger earnings trajectories and substantially lower debt burdens.