Health and Medical Administrative Services at Dorsey College-Dearborn

Dorsey College-Dearborn's health administrative services certificate puts graduates on track to earn $21,780 in their first year—about $3,000 below Michigan's median for similar programs and $6,000 below the national average. While this program ranks in the 40th percentile statewide, it falls to just the 10th percentile nationally, meaning 90% of comparable programs nationwide produce stronger earnings outcomes. The $16,166 in median debt is notably higher than both state ($9,500) and national ($10,372) medians for these programs, creating a first-year debt burden of 74% of earnings.

The trajectory does improve: graduates see 23% earnings growth by year four, reaching $26,680, which brings them closer to state benchmarks. However, even this improved figure remains roughly $40,000 below what Ferris State University graduates in the same field earn, and trails other Michigan options like Schoolcraft Community College. With 84% of students receiving Pell grants, the higher-than-typical debt load hits a population that can least afford it.

For parents seeking value in medical office administration training, this program's combination of below-average starting salaries and above-average debt creates a challenging financial picture. Community college alternatives in Michigan offer similar career preparation with substantially lower debt burdens, making them worth investigating first.