Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Baton Rouge Community College

Baton Rouge Community College's nursing program hits an unusual snag: graduates earn strong first-year salaries of $74,249—outperforming 77% of similar programs nationally—but those earnings drop sharply to $58,010 by year four. This 22% decline is the opposite of what typically happens in nursing, where skills and experience usually command higher pay over time.

The debt picture offers some reassurance. At $28,824, graduates carry slightly more debt than the Louisiana median ($27,259) but far less than the national average ($20,751 vs. national median). That low debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means first-year income covers the debt load comfortably. However, with earnings at the 60th percentile within Louisiana—trailing schools like Southern-Shreveport and Fletcher Technical that deliver $76,000+ outcomes—this isn't the state's strongest nursing value.

The earnings decline demands explanation before enrollment. If it reflects graduates moving from high-intensity hospital shifts to part-time or lower-stress positions, that might be acceptable. But if it signals career obstacles or regional job market constraints, that's concerning for long-term financial security. Check whether graduates are staying in Baton Rouge versus relocating, and ask the school directly about this pattern. The initial salary is solid, but nursing careers should build momentum, not lose it.