Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Augsburg University

Augsburg's nursing program launches graduates into strong starting positions—$80,574 puts them ahead of three-quarters of nursing programs nationally and comfortably above Minnesota's median of $75,577. The debt load of $23,441 is manageable, translating to a 0.29 ratio that means borrowers would owe less than four months' salary. For families focused on immediate return on investment, this program delivers.

The catch surfaces in year four, when median earnings slip to $77,817. This 3% decline isn't catastrophic, but it's unusual in nursing where most programs show steady growth. It's worth noting that even with this dip, graduates still earn more than the state median, suggesting the issue may be specific to career paths rather than program quality. Among Minnesota's 27 nursing programs, Augsburg sits solidly in the middle (60th percentile), behind online-focused options like Walden and Capella that often serve working nurses pursuing advancement.

The real appeal here is accessible entry into a stable field. With a 77% admission rate and over half of students receiving Pell grants, Augsburg provides a pathway to six-figure earning potential for students who might not access more selective programs. The debt-to-earnings math works, and graduates enter the workforce competitive with peers across Minnesota's nursing landscape.