Business/Commerce at Henry Ford College

Henry Ford College's business associate program carries unusually high debt for a community college—$32,406 is more than double the Michigan median and nearly 2.5 times the national average for this degree. That 0.95 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates typically owe nearly a full year's salary, which is concerning for an associate degree that should be serving as an affordable stepping stone.

The earnings themselves aren't terrible, starting at $34,003 and climbing to nearly $40,000 by year four. However, this puts the program at the 40th percentile in Michigan, meaning six out of ten comparable programs in the state deliver better results. Macomb Community College, for instance, produces graduates earning $37,532 with significantly less debt. The 17% earnings growth is positive, but it doesn't offset the debt burden fast enough to make this a compelling value proposition.

The small sample size here is worth noting—we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances can skew these numbers significantly. Still, the debt figure stands out as a red flag. For families considering this program, the key question is whether there's a specific reason to attend Henry Ford College rather than nearby alternatives that deliver similar or better earnings with substantially less debt. Unless there are compelling personal circumstances, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere in Michigan's community college system.