Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Dorsey College-Dearborn
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Dorsey College-Dearborn's medical assisting program offers reasonable debt management but disappointing earning potential that lags behind state and national competitors. While graduates carry just $13,000 in debt—well below typical program levels—their median earnings of $24,379 fall short of Michigan's $25,347 median and rank in only the 40th percentile statewide.
The earnings gap becomes more concerning when compared to top Michigan programs. Montcalm Community College graduates earn $34,585, while Baker College reaches $32,846—both offering $8,000-10,000 higher starting salaries than Dorsey. Even neighboring community colleges like Grand Rapids and Muskegon deliver significantly better outcomes. With virtually no earnings growth over four years (just 1%), Dorsey graduates miss the income progression seen at stronger programs.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 is manageable, and the school clearly serves students who need financial aid (84% receive Pell grants). However, parents should recognize that choosing Dorsey means accepting below-average earnings in exchange for lower debt. Given that several Michigan community colleges offer both higher earnings and similar debt levels, families should seriously explore those alternatives before committing to this program.
Where Dorsey College-Dearborn Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Dorsey College-Dearborn graduates compare to all programs nationally
Dorsey College-Dearborn graduates earn $24k, placing them in the 25th percentile of all allied health and medical assisting services certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (54 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dorsey College-Dearborn | $24,379 | $24,556 | $13,000 | 0.53 |
| Montcalm Community College | $34,585 | — | — | — |
| Baker College | $32,846 | — | $14,776 | 0.45 |
| Grand Rapids Community College | $32,171 | $33,449 | $7,210 | 0.22 |
| Muskegon Community College | $28,808 | — | $9,500 | 0.33 |
| Ross Medical Education Center-Midland | $27,186 | $26,021 | $9,500 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $27,186 | — | $9,500 | 0.35 |
Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in Michigan
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montcalm Community College Sidney | $4,860 | $34,585 | — |
| Baker College Owosso | $12,810 | $32,846 | $14,776 |
| Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids | $4,059 | $32,171 | $7,210 |
| Muskegon Community College Muskegon | $6,990 | $28,808 | $9,500 |
| Ross Medical Education Center-Midland Midland | — | $27,186 | $9,500 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Dorsey College-Dearborn, approximately 84% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 513 graduates with reported earnings and 616 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.