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

Why do Clarkson College nursing graduates earn less four years into their careers than they do immediately after graduation? That 6% drop—from $73,835 to $69,454—suggests many grads may be shifting to lower-paying roles, changing specialties, or reducing hours after their initial positions. This reversal is unusual in nursing, where salaries typically climb with experience.

The numbers themselves aren't alarming: starting debt of $31,289 against first-year earnings creates a manageable 0.42 ratio, well below concerning thresholds. But Clarkson's earnings land solidly in the middle of the pack—40th percentile among Nebraska nursing programs and 44th percentile nationally. When Doane and Creighton grads in the same state earn $7,000-10,000 more annually, and even Union Adventist and Midland edge ahead, this program isn't delivering a competitive advantage despite Omaha's strong healthcare market.

The real question is whether that earnings decline reflects Clarkson grads seeking better work-life balance (common in nursing) or struggling to access higher-paying positions. Without understanding that trajectory, it's hard to justify choosing this program over nearby alternatives that deliver stronger initial earnings and likely better long-term growth. If your child is considering Clarkson, dig into what's driving that year-four dip before committing.