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

Century College's nursing program delivers an outcome that sits right at Minnesota's median—graduates earn $66,512 in their first year, essentially matching the state average of $66,484. But here's the twist: while Minnesota nursing programs typically lag the national median by about $2,000, this program falls $1,900 below that national benchmark. Translation? Minnesota nurses generally earn less than their national peers, and Century College is tracking right with the pack.

The financial picture itself is solid. At $25,750 in debt—about $2,000 below the state median—graduates face a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio. A Century College nurse would dedicate roughly five months of gross income to clear their loans, which is reasonable for healthcare training. The stability matters too: earnings hold steady from year one to year four, suggesting these nurses find their market rate quickly and maintain it.

What's missing is upside. Top Minnesota programs like Minnesota West and Southeast Technical push graduates past $74,000—that's $8,000 more annually than Century College delivers. Over a 30-year career, that gap compounds significantly. If your child is drawn to nursing and Century College fits geographically or financially, the debt burden won't derail them. But if multiple Minnesota programs are on the table, the data suggests looking at schools in the top tier of state performers where the same associate degree commands noticeably higher compensation.