Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Bethel College-North Newton

Bethel College's nursing graduates see something unusual: their first-year earnings of $68,369 drop 14% by year four, falling to $58,644. This isn't just below the national median—it trails the top Kansas programs by $15,000-$17,000, even though it sits near the state's middle (60th percentile). The $27,000 in median debt matches both state and national benchmarks, keeping the debt burden manageable at first, but that declining trajectory raises questions about long-term career prospects.

The earnings dip could reflect graduates moving from higher-paying hospital positions to other nursing roles, or perhaps limited advancement opportunities in smaller Kansas communities where many Bethel alumni may settle. What's concerning is that while Kansas nursing programs generally pay less than the national average, Bethel's outcomes lag behind multiple in-state alternatives that charge similar debt loads but maintain steadier earnings growth.

For families weighing this program, the math works initially—graduating with $27,000 in debt against a $68,000 starting salary is reasonable. But if you're counting on nursing to provide a reliable income trajectory, look closely at why earnings drop and whether that pattern fits your child's career plans. Schools like Ottawa University or Southwestern College offer stronger Kansas alternatives at comparable debt levels.