Health and Medical Administrative Services at Dorsey College-Saginaw

This program charges more debt than typical while delivering earnings well below what graduates could earn elsewhere in Michigan. With first-year earnings of $21,780 and debt of $16,166, graduates face nearly nine months of income just to cover their loans—and that's before considering this barely reaches poverty-level wages for a full-time worker. While the program sits at the 40th percentile among Michigan schools, that still means most comparable programs in the state deliver better outcomes. For perspective, several Ross Medical Education Centers and Schoolcraft Community College produce graduates earning $28,570 to $29,298, and Ferris State grads earn more than triple this program's typical outcome.

The 23% earnings growth to $26,680 by year four helps, but doesn't fundamentally change the math. The 92% Pell grant rate indicates this program primarily serves economically vulnerable students, making the weak earnings-to-debt ratio particularly troubling. Graduates are getting certified, but not necessarily positioned for financial stability in their first years after completion.

Your child could likely find better value at community colleges or other certificate programs in Michigan that offer similar credentials with stronger placement outcomes and lower debt loads. The robust sample size confirms these aren't outlier results—this is the typical experience. Before committing, compare costs and graduate outcomes at nearby alternatives, especially community colleges with health administration tracks.