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Lake Michigan College vs Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield: which has better ROI?

Public, Benton Harbor MI · vs · Private for-profit, Southfield MI

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Lake Michigan College comes closer — median earnings $34,466 against a $13,360 total, vs $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLake Michigan CollegeArizona College of Nursing-Southfield
Net price / yr$6,680$38,786
Total net cost$13,360$155,144
Median earnings, 10 yrs$34,466$34,657
Median debt$9,000$9,500
Payback
20-year net return-$291,240-$429,204

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Lake Michigan College or Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield?

Lake Michigan College, at $6,680 a year after aid versus $38,786 — a gap of $32,106 a year, or $141,784 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Lake Michigan College or Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield graduates earn more?

Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield graduates report a median $34,657 ten years after entry, $191 more than the $34,466 at Lake Michigan College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Lake Michigan College or Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield?

Lake Michigan College: its completers carry a median $9,000 in federal loans versus $9,500 at Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield, a difference of $500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Lake Michigan College vs Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield: frequently asked questions

Is Lake Michigan College or Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield a better value?
Lake Michigan College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Lake Michigan College or Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield?
Lake Michigan College: $6,680/yr net price after aid versus $38,786/yr at Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield — a difference of $32,106 a year, or about $141,784 over four years.
Do Lake Michigan College or Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield graduates earn more?
Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield graduates earn a median $34,657 ten years after entry, versus $34,466 at Lake Michigan College — a $191 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.