Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Carrington College-Boise

Carrington College-Boise graduates start strong with first-year earnings of $82,838—well above the national median and second only to North Idaho College among Idaho nursing programs. However, the $32,500 debt load is 60% higher than the state median, and earnings actually decline to $78,912 by year four. That combination of premium debt with shrinking income creates a tension worth examining, even though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 remains manageable.

Here's the calculation: you're paying roughly $6,000 more than graduates from comparable Idaho programs earn in their first year out. College of Western Idaho, for instance, produces similar outcomes ($74,246 starting) with debt closer to the state average. The earnings drop-off suggests Carrington graduates may cluster in roles with less wage growth potential, despite their strong launch. With 47% of students receiving Pell grants, that higher debt burden hits students with fewer financial safety nets.

If your child has admission offers from multiple Idaho nursing programs, compare the actual aid packages carefully. Carrington's outcomes justify its cost better than many for-profit programs—the earnings are genuinely strong—but you're essentially prepaying for that first-year advantage. If financial aid brings the debt closer to $25,000, the premium makes more sense. Above $35,000, the state's public college options deserve serious consideration.