Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Chamberlain University-Virginia
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Chamberlain's nursing program delivers strong earnings that outpace national averages, but comes with a premium price tag that's worth scrutinizing. Graduates earn $83,188 in their first year—ranking in the 80th percentile nationally and well above the national median of $74,888. However, the program sits at only the 60th percentile within Virginia, meaning there are stronger options in-state.
The debt picture tells an important story. At $39,146, student debt is significantly higher than both national ($27,000) and Virginia ($27,457) medians for nursing programs, ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of nursing programs nationwide have lower debt loads. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 is manageable but not exceptional. More concerning is the slight earnings decline (-1%) from year one to year four, suggesting limited growth potential compared to other nursing programs where earnings typically increase.
Given Virginia's competitive nursing landscape, this program represents a questionable value proposition. Several in-state alternatives like Shenandoah University ($81,678 earnings) likely offer similar outcomes with lower debt burdens. With a 100% admission rate and 44% of students receiving Pell grants, Chamberlain appears to serve students who may have limited alternatives, but families should carefully compare total costs against Virginia's public nursing programs before committing to this premium-priced option.
Where Chamberlain University-Virginia Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Chamberlain University-Virginia graduates compare to all programs nationally
Chamberlain University-Virginia graduates earn $83k, placing them in the 80th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (35 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chamberlain University-Virginia | $83,188 | $81,995 | $39,146 | 0.47 |
| Shenandoah University | $81,678 | $70,543 | $29,749 | 0.36 |
| Strayer University-Virginia | $81,061 | — | $34,040 | 0.42 |
| Centra College | $80,832 | — | $15,185 | 0.19 |
| Marymount University | $80,090 | $78,648 | $29,166 | 0.36 |
| George Mason University | $78,365 | $78,115 | $22,750 | 0.29 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shenandoah University Winchester | $36,028 | $81,678 | $29,749 |
| Strayer University-Virginia Arlington | $13,920 | $81,061 | $34,040 |
| Centra College Lynchburg | $12,263 | $80,832 | $15,185 |
| Marymount University Arlington | $39,050 | $80,090 | $29,166 |
| George Mason University Fairfax | $13,815 | $78,365 | $22,750 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Chamberlain University-Virginia, approximately 44% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 10218 graduates with reported earnings and 12380 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.