Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Blue Mountain Community College

Similar nursing programs across Oregon suggest this could be a strong pathway into healthcare, with first-year earnings around $84,000—well above the national median of $68,000 for associate nursing degrees. The four-year earnings data of $90,500 confirms what peer programs show: Oregon ADN graduates command solid wages from the start, likely reflecting both the state's healthcare market and nursing shortages.

The estimated $25,000 in debt sits slightly above the state median but represents just 30% of first-year earnings based on comparable programs. That's a manageable ratio for a field with immediate earning potential and clear career progression. With more than a third of students qualifying for Pell grants, Blue Mountain appears to serve students who need an efficient route into a stable profession—and nursing delivers on that promise better than most two-year degrees.

The real test here is whether your child can complete the program successfully and pass the NCLEX. Oregon community college nursing graduates generally start within a narrow earnings band ($85,000-$90,000), suggesting the credential itself matters more than which specific school awards it. If your child can handle the academic rigor and clinical requirements, this represents a practical investment with returns that kick in immediately after graduation.