Median Earnings (1yr)
$69,093
53rd percentile (60th in MI)
Median Debt
$28,310
36% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.41
Manageable
Sample Size
200
Adequate data

Analysis

Lansing Community College's nursing program gets graduates earning immediately—$69,093 in the first year—but that figure actually drops slightly by year four to $67,394. While this dip is modest and nursing graduates still earn solidly, it's worth noting that several nearby Michigan community colleges launch their graduates to higher starting points, with Jackson College and Mid Michigan College both exceeding $75,000. Still, Lansing ranks in the 60th percentile among Michigan nursing programs, meaning it outperforms roughly half the state's options.

The debt picture provides real reassurance: at $28,310, graduates carry about $8,000 more than the state median but significantly less than the national average, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.41. With robust sample sizes backing these numbers, parents can trust this data represents typical outcomes. For students committed to staying in the Lansing area or who value a familiar campus environment, this program delivers quick entry to middle-class wages without crushing debt. However, families should recognize that choosing a higher-performing Michigan program could mean an extra $6,000-7,000 annually—potentially $30,000+ over five years—without necessarily requiring more debt.

Where Lansing Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates's programs nationally

Lansing Community CollegeOther registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Lansing Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Lansing Community College graduates earn $69k, placing them in the 53th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (32 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Lansing Community College$69,093$67,394$28,3100.41
Jackson College$75,953$64,405$22,3870.29
Mid Michigan College$75,513$61,719$30,5000.40
Schoolcraft Community College District$74,889—$26,6760.36
Mott Community College$73,034$69,107$34,3340.47
Lake Michigan College$71,432$63,623$16,4230.23
National Median$68,409—$20,7510.30

Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Michigan

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Jackson College
Jackson
$7,040$75,953$22,387
Mid Michigan College
Harrison
$5,794$75,513$30,500
Schoolcraft Community College District
Livonia
$4,448$74,889$26,676
Mott Community College
Flint
$4,426$73,034$34,334
Lake Michigan College
Benton Harbor
$5,265$71,432$16,423

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Lansing Community College, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 200 graduates with reported earnings and 242 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.