Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at College of Our Lady of the Elms

Elms delivers strong starting salaries for nursing graduates—$83,775 puts them well above the national median and competitive within Massachusetts's crowded nursing market. At 60th percentile statewide, they're outperforming half of the state's 25 nursing programs, though they trail top performers like Framingham State ($95,426) by a noticeable margin. The $27,000 median debt matches the national benchmark exactly and sits slightly below Massachusetts's typical nursing debt, translating to a manageable 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio that should allow graduates to handle payments comfortably on a nurse's salary.

The concerning element here is the complete absence of earnings growth—graduates make essentially the same amount four years out as they did starting their careers. This stagnation is unusual in nursing, where skill development and specialization typically drive salary increases. It might reflect geographic limitations in Western Massachusetts or graduates remaining in entry-level positions longer than ideal. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) makes this pattern reliable rather than statistical noise.

For families targeting nursing in Massachusetts, Elms offers a solid entry point with good immediate returns and reasonable debt. The flat earnings trajectory means graduates shouldn't expect significant salary bumps without changing employers or specializing. If your child plans to stay in the Pioneer Valley area, this program delivers dependable preparation for nursing work at a fair price, but those seeking maximum earning potential might look at the state's top-tier programs.