Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 24.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $36,594
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $148/mo
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 | $57,589 | $11,160 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $33,565 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $31,851 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,600 | $10,812 |
| Physical Sciences. | Associate | $22,578 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $19,455 |
Outcomes Overview
North Central Michigan College graduates earn a median of $36,594 six years after completing their programs. With typical debt of $14,000, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 38%, well below the concerning 50% threshold. Monthly loan payments of $148 represent about 5% of gross income, a manageable burden. The college's 97.2% employment rate reflects strong job placement in northern Michigan's tourism, healthcare, and skilled trades sectors. Many graduates work in seasonal hospitality businesses around Petoskey or transfer to four-year universities for bachelor's degrees. Only 9% of students take federal loans, keeping debt levels low. The combination of modest debt and solid employment outcomes creates a strong return on investment for career-focused students.