Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Cedar Crest College

Cedar Crest nursing graduates start strong with first-year earnings of $80,844—above both Pennsylvania's state median ($78,428) and the national benchmark ($74,888). The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Pennsylvania's 52 nursing programs, a respectable position in a competitive state. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.41 and moderate debt load of $33,518, new graduates face manageable financial obligations that most can handle on a nurse's starting salary.

The real puzzle here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see their median income drop 15% by year four, falling to $68,838. This is unusual for nursing, where experience typically drives pay increases. The decline could reflect several factors—perhaps graduates initially work intensive hospital shifts with higher hourly rates and overtime, then transition to different nursing roles or settings with more predictable schedules but lower pay. It's worth investigating whether this pattern reflects career choices rather than diminished opportunities.

For families weighing options, Cedar Crest offers solid debt management and earnings that beat national averages initially. However, the top Pennsylvania programs (Immaculata, Villanova, Thomas Jefferson) deliver $5,000-7,000 higher starting salaries and may offer more stable long-term earnings trajectories. If your child can gain admission to those programs without taking on significantly more debt, that's worth serious consideration. Otherwise, Cedar Crest provides a financially sound entry into nursing with reasonable upfront costs.