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

Carrington College-Reno's nursing graduates earn $82,838 in their first year—well above the national median of $68,409 and competitive with Nevada's top nursing programs. However, they're paying 54% more than the typical Nevada nursing student ($32,500 versus $21,077 state median) for outcomes that rank solidly middle-of-the-pack within Nevada itself. The 60th percentile state ranking means three of the five other Nevada programs deliver comparable or better earnings, often at significantly lower cost. Western Nevada College, for example, produces nearly identical first-year earnings while likely costing less.

The earnings trajectory adds another layer of concern: graduates see a 5% decline from year one to year four, dropping to $78,912. This isn't catastrophic given the strong starting salary, but it suggests graduates aren't advancing as quickly as they might elsewhere. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 remains manageable—nursing salaries in Nevada are robust enough to handle the debt load without financial strain.

For Nevada families, this comes down to access versus value. If your child needs the flexibility or location that Carrington offers and can secure substantial financial aid, the strong first-year earnings justify enrollment. But if community college options like Western Nevada or Truckee Meadows are accessible, they deliver virtually the same career outcomes at a fraction of the debt. The premium price here buys convenience more than career advantage.