Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Schoolcraft Community College District
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Schoolcraft Community College's practical nursing program graduates are earning $75,104 just one year out—nearly 70% more than the typical Michigan nursing graduate and ranking in the 95th percentile both statewide and nationally. This isn't just good performance; it's exceptional. Even the state's second-highest earning program (Gogebic Community College at $62,799) trails by over $12,000, suggesting Schoolcraft has cracked something others haven't—whether through superior clinical placements, employer relationships, or market positioning in the Detroit metro area.
The premium comes at a cost, with debt of $21,575 sitting above both state and national medians for this certificate. But context matters: that 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly 3.5 months of their first-year salary, a burden that should be manageable on a $75,000 income. Many bachelor's degree holders would envy this financial position.
For families weighing community college options in Michigan, this program offers a clear advantage. The earnings gap between Schoolcraft and the typical in-state program ($30,721 more annually) could erase the extra debt in just three months of work. Given the moderate sample size, these outcomes appear reliable, not statistical noise. This represents one of the stronger returns on investment you'll find in certificate-level nursing education.
Where Schoolcraft Community College District 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 Schoolcraft Community College District graduates compare to all programs nationally
Schoolcraft Community College District graduates earn $75k, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schoolcraft Community College District | $75,104 | — | $21,575 | 0.29 |
| Gogebic Community College | $62,799 | $55,059 | $14,000 | 0.22 |
| Muskegon Community College | $60,995 | — | $15,601 | 0.26 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gogebic Community College Ironwood | $5,590 | $62,799 | $14,000 |
| Muskegon Community College Muskegon | $6,990 | $60,995 | $15,601 |
| 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 Schoolcraft Community College District, approximately 27% 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 32 graduates with reported earnings and 48 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.