Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Muskegon Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Muskegon Community College's practical nursing program produces graduates earning $60,995 in their first year—38% above the national median and significantly higher than most Michigan nursing programs. This places graduates in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile statewide, outperforming 80% of the 43 competing programs across Michigan. While nearby Schoolcraft and Gogebic manage higher earnings, Muskegon's outcomes substantially exceed what most practical nursing students achieve, particularly at the remarkably affordable debt level of $15,601.
The numbers suggest strong workforce connections in the Muskegon area. These graduates enter nursing earning more than many programs charge in total debt, creating immediate financial stability. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 means students can theoretically pay off their entire certificate in about three months of gross income—an exceptional return that few vocational programs match. Michigan's statewide median debt for this credential runs over $18,000, making Muskegon's cost structure even more attractive.
For parents weighing practical nursing programs, this represents one of the strongest combinations of earnings and affordability in the state. The moderate sample size provides reasonable confidence in these outcomes. Your child would graduate with minimal debt into a field paying well above typical entry-level wages, with clear demand for their skills in the regional healthcare market.
Where Muskegon Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
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 Muskegon Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Muskegon Community College graduates earn $61k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (43 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muskegon Community College | $60,995 | — | $15,601 | 0.26 |
| Schoolcraft Community College District | $75,104 | — | $21,575 | 0.29 |
| Gogebic Community College | $62,799 | $55,059 | $14,000 | 0.22 |
| Davenport University | $55,249 | $54,038 | $34,520 | 0.62 |
| Delta College | $54,108 | — | $14,038 | 0.26 |
| Detroit Business Institute-Downriver | $52,535 | $54,446 | $23,450 | 0.45 |
| National Median | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Programs in Michigan
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schoolcraft Community College District Livonia | $4,448 | $75,104 | $21,575 |
| Gogebic Community College Ironwood | $5,590 | $62,799 | $14,000 |
| Davenport University Grand Rapids | $23,324 | $55,249 | $34,520 |
| Delta College University Center | $4,640 | $54,108 | $14,038 |
| Detroit Business Institute-Downriver Riverview | — | $52,535 | $23,450 |
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 Muskegon 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 48 graduates with reported earnings and 118 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.