Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
This nursing program presents concerning value compared to alternatives, with graduates earning significantly less than they could elsewhere. Starting salaries of $66,925 fall in just the 12th percentile nationally for nursing programs—meaning 88% of similar programs produce higher-earning graduates. Even within Missouri, this program sits at the 40th percentile, with several state schools like University of Missouri-Columbia offering $5,000+ higher starting salaries for likely lower tuition costs.
The debt picture is reasonable at $27,750, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41. However, the troubling trend is that earnings actually decline by 2% from year one to year four, suggesting limited career advancement opportunities for graduates. This "early peak" pattern is unusual in nursing, where most programs see steady salary growth as nurses gain experience and specialization.
Given that Missouri has 36 nursing programs to choose from, including several that dramatically outperform this one, parents should seriously question whether Barnes-Jewish College justifies its cost. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to attend this specific program, your child would likely achieve better financial outcomes at University of Missouri-Columbia or other state alternatives that offer both higher starting salaries and stronger long-term earning potential.
Where Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing graduates compare to all programs nationally
Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing graduates earn $67k, placing them in the 12th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (36 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing | $66,925 | $65,605 | $27,750 | 0.41 |
| Chamberlain University-Missouri | $83,188 | $81,995 | $39,146 | 0.47 |
| Research College of Nursing | $75,705 | $71,945 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
| Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies | $73,569 | $69,048 | $27,000 | 0.37 |
| Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | $73,569 | $69,048 | $27,000 | 0.37 |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | $72,300 | $63,832 | $23,250 | 0.32 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Missouri
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Missouri schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chamberlain University-Missouri St. Louis | $19,686 | $83,188 | $39,146 |
| Research College of Nursing Kansas City | — | $75,705 | $27,000 |
| Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies Fayette | $6,960 | $73,569 | $27,000 |
| Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Fayette | $27,140 | $73,569 | $27,000 |
| University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia | $14,130 | $72,300 | $23,250 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 681 graduates with reported earnings and 695 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.