Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Anna Maria College

An estimated $26,558 in debt for a nursing credential sits above both the national median ($23,562) and notably higher than the typical Massachusetts nursing program ($19,152). While comparable nursing programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $66,398, Massachusetts programs typically do better at $69,052—suggesting Anna Maria's private college costs may not translate into the salary advantage you'd hope to see from peer programs in the state.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 falls within reasonable bounds for healthcare credentials, meaning graduates from similar programs can typically manage their loans on nursing salaries. However, context matters: at schools like Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital School of Nursing, Massachusetts nursing students carry roughly $7,400 less debt while entering the same job market. That's meaningful breathing room in those early career years when your child is establishing financial independence.

The fundamental question is whether Anna Maria's higher borrowing load delivers value beyond what hospital-based or public nursing programs offer. With 34% of students receiving Pell grants and a 90% admission rate, this isn't an exclusive program—it's accessible nursing education at private college prices. If your child can access comparable training with significantly less debt, either at public institutions or hospital diploma programs in Massachusetts, those alternatives deserve serious consideration before committing to borrowing above the state norm.