Health and Medical Administrative Services at Dorsey College-Wayne

Dorsey College-Wayne's health administration certificate ranks in the bottom 10% nationally for graduate earnings, but the situation is more nuanced in Michigan. While first-year earnings of $21,780 fall well below both the national median ($27,783) and the state median ($24,779), this program sits at the 40th percentile statewide—meaning roughly half of Michigan's similar programs produce comparable or worse outcomes. The debt burden of $16,166 exceeds both state and national medians, creating an uncomfortable starting point where graduates owe nearly nine months of first-year income.

The 23% earnings growth to $26,680 by year four offers some relief, but even this improved salary lags behind what other in-state options deliver from day one. Michigan students have access to significantly stronger alternatives: Schoolcraft Community College's graduates start at $29,298, while Ferris State delivers $68,630 for comparable credentials. The fact that 77% of Dorsey students receive Pell grants suggests many are already financially constrained—making that $16,000 debt load particularly burdensome for the modest returns.

For families considering this program, the core question is whether waiting four years to reach the mid-$20,000s justifies taking on debt that other Michigan schools avoid entirely. Community college options in particular offer a clearer path to healthcare administration credentials without this level of financial risk.