Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Black Hawk College

Black Hawk College's nursing program starts graduates at $61,000—about $5,000 below the Illinois median and trailing significantly behind top community college programs in the state like Moraine Valley ($73,137) or College of Lake County ($72,472). More concerning is the earnings trajectory: graduates earn less four years out than they do in their first year, dropping to $55,060. This downward pattern is unusual for nursing, where earnings typically grow as nurses gain experience and certifications.

The program does offer one clear advantage: low debt. At $14,250, it's actually slightly below the state median and represents only 23% of first-year earnings—a manageable burden that won't constrain career choices. However, that low debt can't fully offset the earnings gap. Over four years, the difference between this program and higher-performing Illinois community colleges could amount to $60,000 or more in lost income.

For families prioritizing minimal debt in Moline's geographic area, this program works—you'll graduate without crushing loans and employable as an RN. But if mobility allows, other Illinois community colleges deliver substantially better earnings outcomes at similar debt levels. The declining earnings pattern suggests graduates may be entering lower-paying nursing segments or facing local market limitations worth investigating before enrolling.