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

Carolinas College of Health Sciences graduates start strong with first-year earnings of $75,471—well above both the national and North Carolina medians for associate's nursing programs. However, the unusual 19% earnings drop by year four demands explanation. This pattern likely reflects graduates transitioning to different nursing roles, continuing education, or temporary scheduling changes rather than a declining career trajectory, but it's worth understanding before enrolling.

The $24,499 debt burden sits notably above North Carolina's median of $14,725 for similar programs, though the 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable by most standards. Within North Carolina's 59 nursing programs, this one ranks at the 60th percentile—solid but not exceptional. Nearby community colleges like Robeson and Stanly deliver comparable first-year earnings with presumably lower costs, making them worth comparing if location flexibility exists.

The core value here is clear: despite higher-than-typical state debt, graduates enter the workforce earning $8,000 more than the state median. For students committed to the Charlotte area and confident in their career direction, this program works. But given the earnings decline and debt premium, families should verify whether the fourth-year dip reflects temporary factors and confirm this school's specific advantages over lower-cost North Carolina alternatives that produce similar outcomes.