Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Ferris State University

Ferris State's nursing program lands exactly at Michigan's median for earnings but charges $1,800 less in debt than the typical in-state program—a meaningful advantage when you're already looking at manageable borrowing. Graduates earn $74,851 in their first year, hitting the state median while staying competitive with the national benchmark. That 60th percentile state ranking means this program outperforms about half of Michigan's nursing schools, though it trails the state's top performers by roughly $5,000-$8,000 annually.

The concerning element is the backwards earnings trajectory: graduates actually see a 3% income decline by year four, dropping to $72,757. While nursing salaries can fluctuate based on shift differentials and specialty moves, most programs show at least modest growth during this period. The $27,000 debt load remains reasonable at 36% of first-year earnings, which is manageable territory for nursing—you'd expect most graduates to handle these payments comfortably even if earnings stay flat.

For families prioritizing lower debt over maximum earning potential, this makes sense. You're getting solid, middle-of-the-pack outcomes at a below-median price point for Michigan. Just understand you're trading away the higher earnings trajectories seen at Michigan-Flint or Chamberlain in exchange for less financial risk upfront. If your child plans to work in Michigan's nursing market, this delivers the credentials needed without oversized debt.