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

Charter College's nursing program produces the highest starting salaries in Alaska at $83,107—matching the state median and placing in the 95th percentile nationally. That's roughly $15,000 above what nursing graduates typically earn elsewhere. However, this comes with a $10,000 premium in debt compared to the national median, bringing total borrowing to $30,708. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, graduates still carry manageable debt relative to their first-year income.

The troubling pattern emerges by year four, when median earnings drop to $73,405—a 12% decline that's unusual for nursing. This could reflect graduates moving to part-time work, relocating to lower-paying markets, or simply the volatility of Alaska's small sample (only four nursing programs statewide). The state's 60th percentile ranking suggests the program performs solidly among Alaska options, though it's not the clear standout that the national comparison implies.

For families prioritizing immediate earning power and willing to accept higher initial debt, this program delivers strong year-one returns that should allow aggressive debt paydown. But that unusual earnings decline means you're betting on graduates maintaining those high initial salaries—something the data suggests hasn't happened for recent cohorts. The strong first-year number creates opportunity; the four-year trajectory demands a clear plan to capitalize on it early.