Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Colorado Mesa University

Based on comparable nursing programs across Colorado, this associate's degree appears to position graduates in the middle of the state's range, with estimated first-year earnings around $71,600—slightly above the national median for nursing ADN programs. The estimated debt load of about $21,100 translates to a 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would need roughly four months of their first year's salary to cover the full loan amount. That's manageable for a healthcare credential, though it's worth noting that several Colorado community colleges with reported data show their nursing graduates earning $73,000 to $77,000 right out of the gate.

The four-year earnings figure of roughly $71,000 staying flat with the first-year estimate is unusual—most nursing careers show wage growth as RNs gain experience and potentially specialize. This could reflect the small sample size that led to the data suppression, or it might indicate some graduates stepping back from full-time clinical work. Either way, it reinforces that these are estimates derived from peer programs rather than a clear picture of this specific cohort's trajectory.

For a parent weighing options, the key question is whether Colorado Mesa offers something beyond the numbers—clinical placement networks, smaller cohorts, or geographic advantages in Western Colorado—that justifies not choosing a Front Range community college where reported outcomes run $3,000 to $5,000 higher annually. Nursing is generally a solid investment at this debt level, but the data here requires more due diligence than usual to understand what you're actually getting.