Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

Caldwell Community College's nursing program shows an unusual trajectory that deserves scrutiny: graduates earn $66,904 their first year out—essentially matching North Carolina's median for associate nursing programs—but see earnings drop 13% to $58,227 by year four. Among the 59 nursing programs in the state, this one sits right at the 40th percentile, meaning six in ten NC nursing programs produce stronger early-career outcomes.

The debt picture offers some consolation. At $12,000, graduates carry about $3,000 less than the typical NC nursing program and nearly half the national average. That keeps this program financially manageable even as earnings decline—the debt burden equals just 18% of first-year income. However, compare this to top performers like Robeson Community College, where graduates earn $77,000+, and the opportunity cost becomes clear.

For families banking on nursing's typically strong career trajectory, this program's earnings pattern is the key concern. Whether graduates are leaving the field, working reduced hours, or facing regional wage constraints, something interrupts the usual progression. The low debt means families aren't taking on catastrophic risk, but NC offers multiple community college nursing programs where graduates consistently earn $70,000-$77,000. If your child can access those alternatives—particularly Robeson, Stanly, or Johnston—the long-term payoff justifies exploring them first.