Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Bob Jones University
Bachelor's Degree
bju.eduAnalysis
Bob Jones University nursing graduates face an unusual trajectory: strong first-year earnings of $73,493 followed by a 15% drop by year four to $62,743. While the initial salary roughly matches South Carolina's median for nursing programs, the decline is notable in a field where earnings typically rise with experience and additional certifications. At 40th percentile statewide, this program sits solidly in the middle of South Carolina's nursing optionsβwell behind leaders like Coastal Carolina ($84,021) but on par with the state median.
The debt picture is reasonable at $26,972, creating a manageable 0.37 ratio to first-year earnings. That's less than four months of salary, which would be quite favorable if earnings stayed flat or grew. However, the downward earnings trajectory changes the calculation. By year four, graduates earn less than they did initially, which could make career advancement more challenging than at peer programs.
For families expecting nursing to provide stable, growing income, this pattern warrants investigation. Ask the school what's driving the earnings declineβare graduates switching to lower-paying specialties, working fewer hours, or leaving nursing entirely? Understanding whether this is a career path issue or a data anomaly matters. If your child is set on Bob Jones for other reasons, the debt load won't crush them, but you can find stronger earning outcomes at several other South Carolina nursing programs.
Where Bob Jones University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Bob Jones University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Jones University | $73,493 | $62,743 | -15% |
| South University-Columbia | $77,635 | $78,626 | +1% |
| Coastal Carolina University | $84,021 | $73,434 | -13% |
| University of South Carolina Beaufort | $64,671 | $71,391 | +10% |
| Medical University of South Carolina | $68,199 | $69,232 | +2% |
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,400 | $73,493 | $62,743 | $26,972 | 0.37 | |
| $11,640 | $84,021 | $73,434 | $39,750 | 0.47 | |
| $11,700 | $78,485 | $63,303 | $25,665 | 0.33 | |
| $18,238 | $77,635 | $78,626 | $41,815 | 0.54 | |
| $17,046 | $76,590 | β | $23,819 | 0.31 | |
| $11,583 | $75,849 | $67,071 | $26,250 | 0.35 | |
| National Median | β | $74,888 | β | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
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 Bob Jones University, approximately 29% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 33 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.