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$32,160Tuition
547Students
38%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$29,392Earnings
Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Dorsey College

Dorsey College trains students for immediate entry into healthcare, business, and skilled trades careers. The suburban Detroit campus serves 547 students who want hands-on preparation for specific professions. This for-profit career college operates on a quarter system that lets students complete programs faster than traditional semester schedules. Faculty work closely with the small student body through a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Students typically pay $22,079 after financial aid, though 60.83% receive Pell Grants indicating significant financial need. Graduates earn a median of $29,392 ten years after starting, which creates a challenging return on investment given the debt load. Monthly loan payments average $138, but only 20.51% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule. The median debt of $13,000 is relatively modest compared to four-year institutions.

The student body is predominantly female at 76.60% and reflects Detroit's demographics with 65.81% Black students and 17.37% White students. All students come from Michigan, creating a tight-knit community focused on local job markets. The employment rate of 91.1% shows strong job placement, though earnings remain below national averages for college graduates. Students should carefully weigh career prospects against borrowing needs.

Academics & Faculty

Dorsey College focuses exclusively on career preparation through hands-on programs in healthcare, business, and skilled trades. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes designed around industry needs. Students pursue practical credentials rather than traditional academic degrees, with programs like medical assisting, dental hygienist preparation, and business administration certificates. The 38.3% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working adults face completing career training programs. Faculty bring real workplace experience to classrooms that prioritize job-ready skills over theoretical study. The quarter system allows students to complete programs quickly and enter the workforce with immediately applicable training rather than broad academic knowledge.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Full-Time Faculty
28.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
38.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$29,392

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). Certificate $30,409
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. Certificate $26,933
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. Certificate $26,585
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $23,589
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Certificate $22,865
Hospitality Administration/Management. Certificate $22,578
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Certificate $20,572
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Certificate $19,298
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. Certificate $19,227
Culinary Arts and Related Services. Certificate $18,992

View all 14 programs →

Campus Life

Dorsey College sits in Madison Heights, just 20 minutes north of Detroit's downtown core. The quarter system keeps pace quick with 547 students spread across a suburban campus focused on hands-on training. You'll need a solid winter coat for Michigan's snowy months from December through March, though spring and fall offer comfortable weather for walking between buildings.

Women make up 76.60% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare programs like medical assisting and nursing. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know your name and track your progress closely. Most students commute from around the Detroit metro area since the college doesn't offer dorms. The 91.1% employment rate drives the atmosphere here. Students often study together in small groups, preparing for certification exams that lead directly to jobs. Weekend social life tends to center around study sessions and part-time work rather than traditional college parties. The focus stays firmly on career preparation, with many students balancing classes alongside existing jobs or family responsibilities.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Calendar System
Quarter

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
19°–32°F
July Avg
64°–83°F
Annual Precipitation
29.9"
Annual Snowfall
36.0"

Student Demographics

Dorsey College draws primarily working-class students from the Detroit metro area seeking practical career training. Three-quarters of students are women, reflecting the school's strong healthcare programs where women traditionally dominate fields like medical assisting and nursing. Nearly two-thirds qualify for Pell Grants, showing the college serves students who need affordable pathways to stable employment. The student body is predominantly Black, making Dorsey an important educational option for Detroit's African American community. Most students are older adults changing careers or entering the workforce for the first time.
Men
23.4%
Women
76.6%
White
17.4%
Black
65.8%
Hispanic
1.3%
Asian
2.2%
In-State Students
100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
60.8%

Location

Dorsey College sits in Madison Heights, Michigan, about 15 miles north of downtown Detroit. The suburban setting serves a diverse student body where 65.81% of students are Black and all 547 enrolled students come from in-state. This part of Oakland County offers the benefits of suburban living while maintaining easy access to Detroit's job market and cultural opportunities. The area features a mix of residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, and businesses typical of Michigan's suburban corridor. The quarter calendar system allows students to complete programs quickly in this automotive industry heartland. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Dorsey College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Madison Heights, Michigan 48071
OldcampusLindenwood
OldcampusLindenwood
SibleyHall1912
SibleyHall1912
Scheidegger Center
Scheidegger Center

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$29,392
Median Earnings (5 years)
$26,639
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$21,400
Loan Repayment Rate
20.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$138/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Dorsey College?

Dorsey College accepts all students who meet basic eligibility requirements for their career-focused programs. The school maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio to provide personalized attention in healthcare, business, and skilled trades training. With 547 enrolled students, classes remain small and focused on practical skill development.

How much does Dorsey College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $22,079 annually after financial aid is applied. About 61% of students receive financial assistance, with families earning under $30,000 paying approximately $22,012 per year. The school's for-profit model means tuition runs $32,160 regardless of residency status.

What academic programs is Dorsey College known for?

Dorsey College operates on a quarter system to deliver accelerated career training in healthcare, business, and skilled trades. The college maintains strong industry connections in the Detroit metro area. Programs emphasize hands-on learning with immediate job market application rather than traditional academic theory.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Dorsey College?

Graduates achieve a 91.1% employment rate, reflecting the school's focus on in-demand career fields. However, median earnings reach just $29,392 ten years after graduation, and only 38.3% complete their programs within six years. The monthly loan payment averages $138 for those who borrow.

Where is Dorsey College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Madison Heights, a large suburban area in the Detroit metropolitan region. All 547 students come from Michigan, creating a tight-knit local community. The suburban setting provides easy access to internships and jobs in Detroit's healthcare and business sectors.

Does Dorsey College serve a diverse student population?

Women make up 76.6% of enrollment, reflecting the school's strong healthcare and business programs that traditionally attract female students. The student body is 65.8% Black and 17.4% White, serving the diverse demographics of southeastern Michigan. About 61% of students qualify for Pell Grants, indicating the college serves primarily working-class families.