Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Clinton Community College

Clinton Community College's nursing program graduates start strong at $75,711—well above both the national median ($68,409) and New York's state median ($73,415). The $28,750 in typical debt is higher than average but still manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.38. Among New York's 64 nursing programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms most competitors outside the NYC metro area.

The concerning element here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see income drop 11% by year four, falling to $67,333. This reversal is unusual for nursing, where experience typically increases earning power. It may reflect workforce patterns unique to the North Country region—perhaps new grads take hospital positions that pay premium shift differentials, then transition to outpatient or specialty roles with more predictable schedules but lower total compensation. It's worth investigating whether local healthcare employers follow this pattern.

The bottom line: Your child will launch with strong earnings and reasonable debt, performing well compared to most New York nursing programs. The income dip by year four deserves attention during campus visits—ask about where recent alumni work and whether the decline reflects career advancement into different settings rather than stagnant wages. For students planning to stay in the Plattsburgh area or rural upstate New York, this program provides solid financial footing despite the unconventional earnings pattern.