Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Carroll University

Carroll University's nursing program shows a puzzling earnings trajectory that warrants careful examination. Graduates start strong at $74,323—placing them in the 60th percentile among Wisconsin nursing programs—but earnings drop to $67,195 by year four. This 10% decline is unusual in a field where nurses typically gain value through experience and specialized certifications. The $27,000 debt load is manageable relative to first-year earnings (0.36 ratio), but the earnings decline changes the calculation considerably.

Within Wisconsin's nursing landscape, Carroll performs respectably but not exceptionally. It trails several schools including UW-Madison and multiple Herzing campuses, all of which place graduates above $75,000. The earnings dip could reflect graduates shifting from higher-paying hospital settings to lower-stress positions, or it might indicate regional employment constraints. Without understanding what drives this pattern, it's difficult to assess whether the program adequately prepares students for career advancement.

The fundamental question: why are Carroll nursing graduates earning less four years out than they did as new grads? If you're considering this program, you need answers about career support, clinical placement networks, and whether graduates are staying in Wisconsin or relocating. The debt is reasonable, but only if those initial earnings represent a floor rather than a ceiling.