College ROI

Smarter Choices, Brighter Futures
General

Nursing

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Nursing.

Entry Level Salary
$60,727
Median Salary
$90,000
Unemployment Rate
1.5%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
9.4%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $3,600,000
Entry (Early)
$60,727
Median (Prime)
$90,000
High (Prime)
$92,685

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+88k
+326k
+348k
$25k / yr
-2k
+236k
+258k
$50k / yr
-92k
+146k
+168k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
33
26
26
$25k / yr
Never
31
30
$50k / yr
Never
38
36

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-2%
217%
237%
$50k / yr
-42%
67%
77%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate27.3%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.

Top Professions

Registered nurses

62.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$65,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$81,100|$97,550
openings
180,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.6%

Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations

7.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$92,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$115,857|$86,530
openings
605,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8%

Medical and health services managers

3.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$72,873
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$113,232|$123,860
openings
62,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +24.2%

Physicians

1.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$64,371
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$200,000|$271,090
openings
20,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.6%

Postsecondary teachers

1.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$28,940
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$80,000|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Nurse anesthetists

1.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$128,621
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$205,876|$236,590
openings
2,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.7%

Nursing assistants

1.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$24,760
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$38,501|$42,260
openings
196,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.6%

Management occupations

0.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$41,175
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$102,938|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Elementary and middle school teachers

0.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$48,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$56,616|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%

Pharmacists

0.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$102,938
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$129,000|$140,910
openings
12,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.2%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
nursing.Undergrad Certificate1Data N/A
practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants.Undergrad Certificate1056$14,988 - $111,045
practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants.Associate's Degree86$15,362 - $112,176
practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants.Bachelor's Degree8$16,943 - $42,444
practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants.Post-bacc Certificate1Data N/A
practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants.Graduate Certificate1Data N/A
registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing.Undergrad Certificate103$10,708 - $122,830
registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing.Associate's Degree1083$17,537 - $163,641
registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing.Bachelor's Degree1097$24,524 - $150,921
registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing.Post-bacc Certificate29$125,786 - $125,786
registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing.Master's Degree585$37,696 - $248,309
registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing.Doctoral Degree315$99,526 - $324,655
registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing.First Professional Degree47$104,643 - $212,438
registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing.Graduate Certificate174$45,111 - $187,932