Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Ross Medical Education Center-Brighton

Ross Medical Education Center's nursing program charges nearly double the typical debt for an associate-level nursing program—$39,162 versus a national median of $20,751—while producing earnings well below what Michigan nursing graduates typically earn. At $61,959 in first-year earnings, graduates land at the 40th percentile among Michigan nursing programs, meaning six out of ten comparable programs in the state deliver better outcomes. For context, Jackson College and Mid Michigan College graduates earn $14,000-$17,000 more annually with similar two-year credentials.

The concerning part isn't just the below-average starting point—it's the complete stagnation. Four years out, earnings haven't budged from that $61,959 mark, while community college nursing programs typically see graduates progress into better-paying positions. With 72% of students receiving Pell grants, this debt burden hits families who can least afford it. That 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates start their careers owing about eight months of gross income, substantially higher than the financial burden at most Michigan nursing programs.

Michigan has over 30 nursing programs to choose from, many at community colleges with lower tuition and stronger placement records. Unless there are compelling geographic or scheduling reasons specific to your situation, exploring alternatives—particularly the community college options ranking in the state's top tier—would likely serve your child's financial future better.