Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Dorsey College-Wayne

Dorsey College-Wayne's medical assisting program delivers modest earnings but maintains reasonable debt levels, creating a workable if unspectacular financial picture. Graduates earn $24,379 in their first year—below both national ($27,186) and Michigan ($25,347) medians for similar programs, ranking in just the 25th percentile nationally and 40th percentile statewide. The program essentially flatlines after graduation, with earnings growing barely 1% over four years to $24,556.

The saving grace is manageable debt at $13,000, which sits well below national and state medians of $9,500 but still creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53—meaning students borrow about half their first-year salary. This puts graduates in a better position than many certificate programs where debt often exceeds annual earnings. However, when Michigan schools like Montcalm Community College ($34,585) and Baker College ($32,846) produce graduates earning 40% more, the opportunity cost becomes significant.

For families seeking the most affordable entry into healthcare, this program won't create crushing debt burdens. But given that stronger Michigan programs exist at similar institutions, parents should explore those alternatives first. The 77% Pell grant rate suggests this school serves students with limited options, but even within that context, better value exists elsewhere in the state.