Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Mid Michigan College

Mid Michigan College's nursing associate program commands attention with first-year earnings of $75,513—outpacing the state median by over $7,000 and landing in the 80th percentile nationally. Among Michigan's 32 nursing programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, performing comparably to well-regarded community colleges like Schoolcraft and Mott. The debt load of $30,500 is higher than both state and national medians, but still manageable with a 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio that means graduates could theoretically pay off loans in about five months of gross income.

The concerning factor is the earnings trajectory: median pay drops to $61,719 by year four, an 18% decline. This pattern sometimes reflects nurses shifting to part-time work or less demanding specialties after building experience, though it bears watching. Still, even at the four-year mark, earnings remain competitive within Michigan's nursing landscape.

For families weighing this program, the initial investment delivers strong earning power right away. The above-average debt is offset by immediate access to well-paying positions in Michigan's healthcare market. Just be aware that this program's graduates don't follow the typical upward earnings trajectory—what you earn in year one may represent the peak rather than the starting point.