Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Central Carolina Community College

First-year earnings of $70,579 put this program squarely in the middle of North Carolina's nursing landscape—at the 60th percentile both statewide and nationally. That's solid positioning, though several peer community colleges in the state consistently place graduates into higher-earning positions right out of the gate. The estimated debt of around $14,000 (based on comparable North Carolina community college programs) creates a manageable 0.20 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would typically owe about three months' salary.

The unusual pattern here is the earnings decline from year one to year four—a 13% drop to $61,157. This contradicts the typical nursing career trajectory where experience usually commands higher pay. It's possible this reflects career choices rather than wage stagnation: some graduates may shift from hospital floor nursing to lower-stress outpatient settings, or step back to part-time work after those intense early years. Without knowing whether this pattern is specific to Central Carolina or reflects broader trends among similar programs, it's difficult to assess its significance.

For families weighing this program, the math works: nursing associate degrees from North Carolina community colleges generally deliver strong earning potential relative to modest debt loads. The main uncertainty is whether that year-four earnings dip represents something specific to this program's graduates or simply the diverse career paths nurses take. If your priority is immediate earning power with minimal debt, this program checks those boxes—just don't assume the first year's salary represents a floor rather than a potential peak.