Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Bryan College of Health Sciences

Bryan College graduates enter nursing with strong first-year earnings of $73,124, but something unusual happens next: by year four, salaries drop to $64,294—a 12% decline that runs counter to typical career progression. While the modest $30,125 debt burden means graduates aren't overleveraged, this earnings trajectory deserves scrutiny. The program sits squarely at the Nebraska median for nursing salaries, trailing schools like Doane and Creighton by $7,000-8,000 annually.

The backwards salary curve could reflect several realities: perhaps Bryan graduates initially land acute-care hospital positions but later transition to lower-paying specialties, or the Lincoln market may offer fewer advancement opportunities than Omaha. What's certain is that this pattern differs markedly from most nursing programs, where earnings typically climb as new graduates gain experience and certifications. The debt load remains reasonable—actually below Nebraska's median of $30,875—so financial stress shouldn't drive career decisions, but the income ceiling appears lower than expected.

If your child thrives in Bryan's structured health sciences environment and plans to stay in Lincoln, this program won't saddle them with crushing debt. However, graduates from comparable Nebraska nursing schools are earning $10,000+ more four years out, which compounds significantly over a career. Understanding why Bryan's earnings decline rather than grow should be a central question during any campus visit.