Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Cabrillo College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Cabrillo College graduates earn $91,000 right out of the gate—putting them in the 95th percentile nationally for nursing programs—while carrying just $15,000 in debt. That's nearly $9,000 less than the typical California nursing graduate owes, creating one of the most favorable debt-to-earnings ratios you'll find in healthcare education at 0.16. The real standout here is the growth trajectory: earnings climb to $102,629 by year four, strong gains that push graduates closer to the state's top earners.
Here's the wrinkle: within California's competitive nursing landscape, this program sits at the 40th percentile. That's not a red flag—it simply reflects how unusually well California nursing programs pay overall. Even California's median of $96,000 crushes most states' top programs. Cabrillo delivers solidly above-average outcomes in a state where nursing education is exceptionally strong.
For families worried about student debt, this is a clear win. Your child graduates with manageable loans, immediate access to six-figure earning potential within a few years, and enters one of healthcare's most stable career paths. The combination of low debt and strong starting wages means financial stability from day one—exactly what nursing education should deliver.
Where Cabrillo College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing certificate'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 Cabrillo College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Cabrillo College graduates earn $91k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing certificate 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 California
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (38 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabrillo College | $91,090 | $102,629 | $15,000 | 0.16 |
| Glendale Career College | $100,874 | — | $33,930 | 0.34 |
| National Median | $66,398 | — | $23,562 | 0.35 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glendale Career College Glendale | — | $100,874 | $33,930 |
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 Cabrillo College, approximately 22% 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.