Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Dorsey College-Saginaw

Dorsey College-Saginaw's medical assisting program produces graduates earning about $1,000 less than the typical Michigan program in this field, though it does keep debt relatively manageable at $13,000. With median earnings of $24,379 in the first year, graduates earn considerably less than those from top Michigan programs like Montcalm Community College ($34,585) or Baker College ($32,846). The program ranks in the 40th percentile statewide, meaning 60% of Michigan programs deliver better outcomes.

The debt picture offers some relief—at $13,000, it's higher than the state median but still represents a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53. However, earnings remain essentially flat over four years, growing just 1% from $24,379 to $24,556. This stagnation is particularly concerning in a healthcare field where experience typically leads to advancement opportunities and higher pay.

Given that 92% of students receive Pell grants, this program clearly serves a population seeking affordable career training. While the debt load won't be crushing, your child would likely find better earning potential at community colleges like Grand Rapids or Muskegon, which offer similar programs with significantly higher graduate salaries. The modest debt advantage here doesn't compensate for the $8,000-10,000 annual earnings gap compared to top state programs.