At $22,173/yr net price, Dorsey College-Dearborn graduates earn $29,392/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,173 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,692 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,392/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,608/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,173/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Certificate | $26,933 | $13,000 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $23,589 | $13,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $22,865 | $13,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $20,572 | $13,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $19,298 | $13,000 |
The Risk Factor
27.6% of students at Dorsey College-Dearborn graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Dorsey College-Dearborn delivers weak financial returns with median earnings of just $29,392 ten years after graduation while charging $22,173 annually. The 27% graduation rate means most students leave without completing their programs, making this a high-risk investment for your education dollars.
Your program choice matters significantly here. Electrical maintenance technology offers the strongest earning potential at $26,933, though this still barely exceeds the overall median. Practical nursing provides more stable career prospects at $23,589, benefiting from Detroit's healthcare demand. Health administration and medical assisting programs produce weaker returns below $23,000, while dental support generates the lowest earnings at $19,298.
The $13,000 median debt load across all programs creates manageable monthly payments, but the low earnings make even this modest debt burden challenging. With over 80% of students receiving financial aid, you'll likely qualify for assistance, though this reflects the student body's financial need rather than generous merit opportunities.
This school works best for you if you need flexible scheduling for career training while working, live locally to avoid housing costs, and specifically target the electrical or nursing programs. The for-profit structure provides faster completion than community colleges but at significantly higher cost. You should look elsewhere if you want strong job placement rates, higher earning potential, or can access similar programs at Michigan community colleges for less money. The combination of low graduation rates and modest career earnings makes this a questionable financial choice for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dorsey College-Dearborn worth the money?
With graduates earning just $29,392 ten years after enrollment and a 27% graduation rate, Dorsey College-Dearborn offers poor return on investment for most students. The low earnings relative to the $22,173 annual cost make it difficult to justify financially.
What are the best paying programs at Dorsey College-Dearborn?
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance Technology offers the highest earnings at $26,933, followed by Practical Nursing at $23,589. However, even the top program pays below the overall graduate average of $29,392.
How much debt do Dorsey College-Dearborn students graduate with?
The median debt is $13,000, which is relatively low compared to many colleges. This lower debt load helps offset some of the financial risk given the modest post-graduation earnings.
What is the graduation rate at Dorsey College-Dearborn?
Only 27.6% of students graduate from Dorsey College-Dearborn. This extremely low completion rate means most students leave without a degree while still owing money for their education.