At $22,079/yr net price, Dorsey College graduates earn $29,392/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,079 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,316 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,392/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,608/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.3% |
| 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 | $22,012/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,359/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $30,409 | $9,500 |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Certificate | $26,933 | $13,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $26,585 | $14,750 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $23,589 | $13,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $22,865 | $13,000 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Certificate | $22,578 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $20,572 | $13,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $19,298 | $13,000 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Certificate | $19,227 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Certificate | $18,992 | $13,000 |
The Risk Factor
38.3% of students at Dorsey College 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 offers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its high costs. With median earnings of $29,392 ten years after graduation and an annual net price of $22,079, you're paying premium prices for below-average outcomes in most programs.
HVAC technology stands out as the only financially sound choice, delivering $30,409 in median earnings with just $9,500 in debt. This program benefits from strong demand for skilled technicians in Michigan's manufacturing economy. Electrical maintenance technology offers moderate returns at $26,933 but requires $13,000 in debt. Medical lab science provides similar earnings but with higher debt loads at $14,750.
Nursing programs present concerning returns. Practical nursing graduates earn just $23,589 while carrying $13,000 in debt, making this path financially questionable compared to community college alternatives. Health administration fares worse at $22,865, barely covering the cost of attendance.
The 38% graduation rate amplifies financial risks significantly. More than six in ten students leave without credentials while still owing money. Combined with for-profit status and limited transfer credit recognition, this creates substantial downside risk.
You should consider Dorsey only if you're targeting HVAC technology and need the specific scheduling flexibility this campus offers. Community colleges in the Detroit area provide similar programs at much lower costs with better completion rates. The 60% of students receiving financial aid face particularly steep debt-to-income ratios that will strain budgets for years.
Skip Dorsey unless HVAC technology aligns perfectly with your career goals and no community college option works for your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dorsey College worth the money?
Dorsey College's graduates earn $29,392 ten years after enrollment, which barely exceeds the $22,079 annual cost. With only a 38% graduation rate, most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Dorsey College?
HVAC technology offers the strongest return at $30,409 in median earnings, followed by electrical maintenance technology at $26,933. Healthcare administration and nursing programs show weaker earning potential relative to costs.
How much debt do Dorsey College students graduate with?
Dorsey College graduates typically carry $13,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, the low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Does Dorsey College have good job placement after graduation?
While specific placement rates aren't available, the $29,392 median earnings suggest graduates find work but at relatively low wages. The trades programs like HVAC show better earning potential than healthcare support roles.