Est. Earnings (1yr)
$75,577
Est. from MN median (24 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from MN median (13 programs)

Analysis

Minnesota nursing programs typically produce strong employment outcomes, and Bethany Lutheran College's estimated figures align closely with state patterns. Based on comparable bachelor's programs in Minnesota, graduates here likely earn around $76,000 in their first year—essentially matching both the state and national medians for nursing degrees. The estimated $27,000 in debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, meaning roughly four months of pre-tax income to cover borrowing, which is manageable for an in-demand healthcare field.

What's less clear is whether Bethany's small program (the college has suppressed data due to minimal graduate numbers) provides the same career support and clinical placement networks as larger Minnesota nursing schools. The top programs in the state show first-year earnings ranging from $78,000 to nearly $89,000, suggesting that institutional connections and program structure can make a meaningful difference. Bethany's selective-but-not-highly-selective profile (51% admission rate, modest SAT scores) and low Pell enrollment suggest a relatively homogeneous student body, which may or may not translate to robust alumni networks in healthcare settings.

The fundamentals look sound based on peer programs—nursing remains one of the more reliable pathways from degree to steady income. But confirm that Bethany's clinical rotation sites and job placement track record match what larger, established Minnesota nursing programs offer before committing.

Where Bethany Lutheran College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (27 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Bethany Lutheran CollegeMankato$30,010$75,577*$27,000*
Walden UniversityMinneapolis$12,498$88,877*$87,923$32,800*0.37
Capella UniversityMinneapolis$14,436$85,426*$82,005$27,826*0.33
Saint Mary's University of MinnesotaWinona$43,160$84,323*$104,496$40,188*0.48
Augsburg UniversityMinneapolis$43,942$80,574*$77,817$23,441*0.29
Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead$10,336$78,006*$76,288$30,359*0.39
National Median$74,888*$27,000*0.36
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates

Nurse Anesthetists

Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Midwives

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Practitioners

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Registered Nurses

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Acute Care Nurses

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Critical Care Nurses

Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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 Bethany Lutheran College, approximately 22% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 24 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.