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Ferris State University stands out among Michigan's health and medical preparatory programs with a net cost of just $12,202, nearly $2,000 less than the next cheapest option. This dramatic price difference reflects the state's commitment to affordable pre-health education, with 11 of the 15 programs coming from public universities that leverage Michigan's Achievement Scholarship. The state's growing healthcare sector, driven by major medical centers like Henry Ford Health and Spectrum Health, creates strong demand for graduates from these preparatory tracks. Earnings data reveals interesting patterns, with Saginaw Valley State graduates earning $29,685 annually while Grand Valley State graduates earn $27,640, despite Grand Valley's higher 68.6% graduation rate. Private institutions like Andrews University command higher costs at $18,597 net but deliver competitive 65.9% graduation rates.
17
Programs
$12,202 – $26,409
Net Price Range
$28,663
Avg. Program Earnings
54.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
2 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
3 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
4 $14,582 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
5 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
6 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
7 $17,096 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
8 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
9 $17,485 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
10 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
11 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
12 $18,902 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
13 $19,245 $27,938 41.4% 71.4%
14 $21,158 $33,076 37.0% 84.6%
15 $21,504 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
16 $22,384 $29,100 61.6% 81.8%
17 $26,409 $34,200 50.0% 70.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $14,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

The gap between Ferris State's $12,202 net cost and the highest-priced programs reflects Michigan's two-tier system of public versus private education. Public universities benefit from state funding and the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which covers up to $5,500 annually for eligible students. Private institutions like Adrian College at $21,504 net cost must rely on tuition revenue and endowment income to fund operations.

How do graduation rates compare across different price points in Michigan?

Grand Valley State University achieves the highest graduation rate at 68.6% with a moderate $17,096 net cost, proving that mid-range pricing can deliver strong outcomes. Andrews University follows at 65.9% despite higher costs, while some budget options like Eastern Michigan struggle with just 45.5% completion rates. The data suggests that programs around $17,000-$18,000 often provide the best balance of affordability and student success.

Where do Michigan pre-health graduates typically find employment after graduation?

Michigan's healthcare industry offers strong opportunities through major health systems like Henry Ford Health in Detroit and Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. The state's automotive industry also creates demand for occupational health specialists and medical device professionals. Early career earnings range from $27,640 to $29,685, with Saginaw Valley State graduates commanding the highest starting salaries among programs with available data.

Does attending a more expensive private program guarantee better career outcomes?

The data reveals mixed results for private versus public programs in Michigan. While Andrews University delivers strong 65.9% graduation rates, other private options like Rochester University struggle with just 41.4% completion despite higher costs. Public universities like Grand Valley State often match or exceed private school performance at significantly lower net costs, making them attractive options for budget-conscious pre-health students.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.