Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Dorsey College-Dearborn
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
dorsey.eduAnalysis
This Dorsey College nursing program shows a concerning pattern that should give parents pause: graduates see their earnings actually decline by 35% from year one to year four, dropping from $41,283 to just $26,833. While the initial debt load is relatively modest at $19,941 (17th percentile nationally), the program's earnings performance ranks in only the 40th percentile among Michigan nursing programs—meaning 60% of similar programs in the state produce better outcomes.
The earnings trajectory is particularly troubling when compared to top Michigan programs. Graduates from Schoolcraft Community College earn $75,104, nearly three times what Dorsey graduates make by year four. Even the state median of $44,383 significantly outpaces Dorsey's first-year earnings, and the gap only widens over time. This suggests potential issues with job placement, career advancement opportunities, or the quality of clinical training that affects long-term earning potential.
For families considering this investment, the math is stark: while the debt burden starts manageable, the declining earnings mean graduates may struggle financially in their mid-career years when they should be hitting their stride. With 43 nursing programs across Michigan and many showing much stronger outcomes, parents should seriously explore alternatives before committing to Dorsey's program.
Where Dorsey College-Dearborn Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Dorsey College-Dearborn graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dorsey College-Dearborn | $41,283 | $26,833 | -35% |
| Gogebic Community College | $62,799 | $55,059 | -12% |
| Detroit Business Institute-Downriver | $52,535 | $54,446 | +4% |
| Davenport University | $55,249 | $54,038 | -2% |
| Northern Michigan University | $33,683 | $52,416 | +56% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (43 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Dorsey College-DearbornDetroit | $22,800 | $41,283 | $26,833 | $19,941 | 0.48 |
 Schoolcraft Community College DistrictLivonia | $4,448 | $75,104 | — | $21,575 | 0.29 |
 Gogebic Community CollegeIronwood | $5,590 | $62,799 | $55,059 | $14,000 | 0.22 |
 Muskegon Community CollegeMuskegon | $6,990 | $60,995 | — | $15,601 | 0.26 |
 Davenport UniversityGrand Rapids | $23,324 | $55,249 | $54,038 | $34,520 | 0.62 |
 Delta CollegeUniversity Center | $4,640 | $54,108 | — | $14,038 | 0.26 |
| National Median | — | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants graduates
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 750 graduates with reported earnings and 953 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.