Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Michigan-Flint

University of Michigan-Flint's nursing program starts strong with $80,000+ earnings right after graduation—well above both national and Michigan medians—but graduates see their income drop by 5% over four years, an unusual pattern that warrants attention. While most nursing programs show steady income growth, this program's earnings trajectory moves in the opposite direction, potentially reflecting local market dynamics in the Flint area.

The financial fundamentals remain solid despite this earnings dip. With median debt of just $39,231 (ranking in the 5th percentile nationally for low debt), graduates face manageable loan payments even if their income plateaus. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 means typical monthly loan payments should consume a reasonable portion of take-home pay. Among Michigan's 28 nursing programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile for earnings, placing it in the middle tier of state options.

For anxious parents, this program offers a relatively safe investment with good immediate earning potential and low debt burden. The income decline over time is concerning but may reflect the specific healthcare job market in Flint rather than program quality issues. Graduates still earn competitively compared to state peers, and the low debt load provides financial flexibility if career pivots become necessary.