At $576/yr net price, Henry Ford College graduates earn $34,795/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $795/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $576 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $2,304 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,795/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$795/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 10.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $55/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $2,491/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $5,807/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,653/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $61,020 | $18,987 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,282 | $16,976 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $44,170 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $43,798 | $12,952 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $35,600 | |
| Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $29,141 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,960 | $11,202 |
The Risk Factor
10.6% of students at Henry Ford 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
Henry Ford College delivers strong financial value with a net price of just $576 per year, making it one of the most affordable options in Michigan. The low graduation rate of 10.6% reflects the school's community college structure where many students transfer or complete certificates rather than four-year degrees.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $61,020 annually against modest debt of $18,987. Computer networking and telecommunications graduates also perform well at $52,107 yearly. Allied health programs offer solid middle-income returns around $43,000-46,000 with reasonable debt loads. Vehicle maintenance provides stable earnings at $44,170 for students seeking hands-on careers in Michigan's automotive hub.
Your biggest financial risk lies in program selection. While top programs deliver strong returns, the overall median earnings of $34,795 suggest many graduates end up in lower-paying fields. The school works best if you target specific high-demand programs rather than general studies.
Henry Ford College makes financial sense if you need affordable training in healthcare, automotive, or technical fields while staying local to the Detroit area. The minimal cost means you can complete programs without significant debt risk. You should look elsewhere if you want a traditional four-year university experience or need programs outside the school's technical and health specialties.
With 45% of students receiving financial aid despite the already low costs, additional support may be available for qualifying students. The school's location in automotive-heavy Dearborn creates natural job pipeline advantages for relevant programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Henry Ford College worth the cost?
Henry Ford College costs almost nothing at $576 per year, making it extremely affordable even with the low graduation rate of 10.6%. The nursing and IT programs offer solid career prospects, but most students don't complete their degrees.
What are the job prospects after Henry Ford College?
Graduates earn about $35,000 annually after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. However, nursing program graduates can expect around $61,000, and networking/telecommunications graduates earn about $52,000.
How much debt do Henry Ford College students graduate with?
Students who borrow money graduate with a median debt of $14,250. Given the low net price and potential earnings in top programs like nursing, this debt level is manageable for students who actually complete their degrees.
Which programs at Henry Ford College have the best return on investment?
Registered nursing offers the strongest ROI with graduates earning around $61,000 annually. Computer networking and allied health programs also provide decent returns at $52,000 and $46,000 respectively.