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

Baylor's nursing program produces graduates who earn slightly less than typical Texas nurses, ranking in just the 40th percentile statewide despite the university's selective admissions and high tuition. With first-year earnings of $75,213 that actually decline to $71,804 by year four, graduates face an unusual earnings trajectory that runs counter to most career paths where experience typically brings higher pay.

The debt picture offers some relief—at $26,975, it's manageable and close to both national and state medians. This creates a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, meaning graduates can realistically handle their loan payments. However, when you consider that community colleges and state universities in Texas are producing nurses who out-earn Baylor graduates significantly (Austin Community College grads make $88,105), the value equation becomes questionable.

For parents investing in a private education at Baylor, the nursing program delivers middling results in a state with strong nursing opportunities. While graduates do find employment and earn decent starting salaries, they're not capitalizing on Texas's robust healthcare market as effectively as peers from less expensive programs. Unless your child is specifically drawn to Baylor's campus culture or has other compelling reasons to attend, the nursing program doesn't justify the premium price tag.