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

Among Missouri's 36 nursing programs, Avila sits squarely in the middle—at the 40th percentile for earnings—but that's where the good news stops. Graduates earn $67,179 initially, about $7,700 below the national median for nursing programs and $1,700 below Missouri's average. More concerning: earnings essentially flatline over the first four years, barely budging to $67,478. Compare this to top Missouri programs like Chamberlain ($83,188) or Research College of Nursing ($75,705), where graduates earn $8,000-$16,000 more right out of the gate.

The $27,000 debt load is typical for nursing programs, yielding a manageable 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's the silver lining here—you're not overpaying for what you're getting. However, the lack of earnings growth suggests limited career advancement among this program's graduates. In a field where registered nurses typically see steady salary increases with experience, the stagnation raises questions about whether graduates are accessing the higher-paying hospital systems and specialty roles that drive nursing income upward.

For a family seeking nursing credentials on a budget, Avila won't bury you in debt. But if you can access one of Missouri's stronger nursing programs—particularly University of Missouri-Columbia, which offers better outcomes at similar debt levels—that's likely worth pursuing. The nursing shortage means you'll find work either way; the question is whether you'll maximize your earning potential from day one.