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

Barry University's nursing program starts strong with first-year earnings of $81,868—beating both the national and Florida medians—but those earnings drop 8% by year four to $75,302. While the initial salary places graduates in the 77th percentile nationally, they fall to the 60th percentile among Florida programs, and the state comparison is particularly relevant since lower-cost public options dominate the top of Florida's nursing market. Miami Dade College and Valencia College graduates, for instance, earn over $90,000 within a year, likely carrying far less debt.

The $31,000 debt load is actually lower than typical for this field and sits in the 24th percentile nationally, making it more manageable than many nursing programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 means graduates owe about five months' salary—reasonable by most standards. However, the earnings decline deserves attention. It's unusual for nursing salaries to drop after four years, and it raises questions about whether graduates are finding optimal positions in Miami's competitive healthcare market or facing challenges with career progression.

For families weighing this choice: Barry delivers solid entry into nursing without crushing debt, but you're paying a premium compared to Florida's strong public nursing programs. If your child is set on a private university experience and the $31,000 debt feels manageable, Barry gets them credentialed. If minimizing cost matters more, Florida's community colleges and state schools produce higher-earning graduates at lower price points.