Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Ave Maria University

Nursing programs in Florida typically produce strong outcomes, but Ave Maria's estimated first-year earnings of $69,058 fall notably short of what comparable programs achieve. Similar bachelor's nursing programs in Florida generate a median of $76,508 in first-year earnings, while community colleges like Miami Dade and Valencia consistently place graduates above $90,000. That $7,450 gap below the state median—and much wider gaps compared to top programs—matters when you're carrying debt that takes years to repay.

The estimated $31,000 in debt (based on peer programs at similar Florida institutions) isn't alarming by itself—it's actually slightly above the state median for nursing programs but manageable given nursing's earning potential. However, the combination of higher-than-average debt and lower-than-average earnings creates friction. You're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, workable but less comfortable than what Florida's stronger nursing programs deliver with their higher graduate salaries.

The practical issue is opportunity cost. Florida has 72 nursing programs, many producing significantly better earnings outcomes for similar or lower debt loads. Unless Ave Maria offers something uniquely valuable—perhaps campus culture, specific clinical partnerships, or location advantages that matter to your family—the estimated financial picture suggests your student could enter the same profession with a stronger earnings trajectory elsewhere. The nursing license is the same regardless of where it's earned, making those first-year salary differences particularly meaningful.