Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Dorsey College-Roseville

This program shows a concerning earnings trajectory that should give parents pause. While graduates start at $41,283—reasonably close to the state median of $44,383—their earnings plummet to just $26,833 by year four, a devastating 35% decline. This "early peak" pattern is unusual and problematic for nursing careers, which typically see steady growth over time.

The debt picture is more encouraging, with graduates owing $19,941 at completion—well below both national and state medians. This keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.48, meaning graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in about six months of earnings. However, this calculation becomes less meaningful given the dramatic earnings drop over time.

What's particularly telling is how this program compares to Michigan alternatives. Top community colleges in the state produce graduates earning $60,000-$75,000, nearly double what Dorsey graduates make by year four. Even mid-tier options significantly outperform this program. The fact that 62% of students receive Pell grants suggests the school serves a population that needs strong employment outcomes, making these weak earnings especially concerning.

**Bottom line:** While the debt load is reasonable, the earnings decline and poor performance compared to other Michigan nursing programs make this a risky investment. Community college alternatives would likely provide much better long-term earning potential.