Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Bob Jones University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
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 options—well 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 decline—are 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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Bob Jones University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Bob Jones University graduates earn $73k, placing them in the 42th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Jones University | $73,493 | $62,743 | $26,972 | 0.37 |
| Coastal Carolina University | $84,021 | $73,434 | $39,750 | 0.47 |
| Lander University | $78,485 | $63,303 | $25,665 | 0.33 |
| South University-Columbia | $77,635 | $78,626 | $41,815 | 0.54 |
| Claflin University | $76,590 | — | $23,819 | 0.31 |
| University of South Carolina-Upstate | $75,849 | $67,071 | $26,250 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in South Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Carolina University Conway | $11,640 | $84,021 | $39,750 |
| Lander University Greenwood | $11,700 | $78,485 | $25,665 |
| South University-Columbia Columbia | $18,238 | $77,635 | $41,815 |
| Claflin University Orangeburg | $17,046 | $76,590 | $23,819 |
| University of South Carolina-Upstate Spartanburg | $11,583 | $75,849 | $26,250 |
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.