Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Carthage College

Carthage's nursing graduates earn slightly above Wisconsin's median for nursing programs, landing in the 60th percentile statewide—a meaningful advantage when most students will compare in-state options. The $74,265 first-year salary paired with $26,758 in debt creates a healthy 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to manage their loan payments on a new nurse's salary.

That said, this program doesn't quite match the state's top performers. University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn about $1,200 more annually, and several Herzing campuses also edge ahead slightly. Carthage sits comfortably in the middle tier of Wisconsin nursing schools—not the highest earners, but well above the bottom half. The moderate sample size suggests these figures represent a stable pattern rather than an anomaly.

For families seeking an affordable path to nursing in Wisconsin, Carthage delivers solid value. The debt load is manageable, earnings support loan repayment within a reasonable timeframe, and graduates out-earn the typical Wisconsin nursing program. If your student has been admitted to UW-Madison or comparable programs, compare total costs carefully. Otherwise, Carthage represents a reliable investment that shouldn't require financial gymnastics after graduation.