Health and Medical Administrative Services at Ross College-Grand Rapids North

Ross College-Grand Rapids North's health administration program shows a troubling pattern: graduates start at $28,495—solidly above Michigan's median for this credential—but see their earnings drop 10% to $25,554 by year four. This backward trajectory is particularly concerning given that 79% of students here receive Pell grants, meaning most families are counting on steady income growth to justify even the modest $9,500 debt load.

The numbers look reasonable at first glance. Ranking in the 60th percentile among Michigan programs suggests above-average performance, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 means graduates owe about four months of their initial salary. However, the earnings decline changes the calculation entirely. While Ferris State graduates in this field earn $68,630 (likely a full bachelor's program), even other certificate programs like Ross Medical Education Centers across Michigan maintain earnings near $28,570 without the drop-off.

For families banking on this certificate as a stepping stone to better opportunities, the data suggests it may actually lead backward. The initial placement seems adequate, but something—whether it's limited advancement potential, high turnover in entry-level roles, or graduates shifting to lower-paying positions—is causing earnings to fall rather than rise. Unless your child has a clear plan to leverage this certificate quickly toward a higher credential or specialized role, the downward earnings trend makes this a risky investment even at relatively low debt levels.