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

Bethel's nursing program starts strong with first-year earnings of $68,848, but then graduates see their income drop 17% by year four—falling to $57,433. This backward trajectory is unusual for nursing, where most programs show steady earnings growth as nurses gain experience and specialized skills. Among Indiana's 30 nursing programs, this ranks at the 40th percentile, lagging behind nearby options like Saint Mary's College and University of Saint Francis, which both show stronger mid-career outcomes.

The debt load of $28,500 is reasonable and typical for nursing programs in Indiana. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 based on first-year income, graduates can realistically manage loan payments. However, the declining earnings pattern raises questions about whether graduates are finding career advancement opportunities or perhaps working in lower-paying healthcare settings as they progress. This matters because nursing careers typically reward experience with higher pay, not less.

For an anxious parent, this program warrants careful consideration. While the initial job placement seems solid, something is preventing graduates from following a normal nursing career trajectory. Before committing, ask the school directly about where graduates work in years 4-5 and why earnings decline rather than grow. The moderate sample size (30-100 grads) means these numbers reflect real outcomes, not anomalies.