Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Colorado Northwestern Community College

With estimated earnings around $66,400 and debt near $19,250, this nursing program's numbers track closely with what similar certificate and diploma programs produce nationally. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 suggests manageable financial pressure—peer programs typically leave graduates with debt equivalent to about four to five months of first-year salary.

However, Colorado's nursing market tells a more nuanced story. The state median for comparable programs sits at nearly $70,000, about $3,500 higher than what national peers suggest for this program. Pueblo Community College, the only Colorado nursing program with reported outcomes at this credential level, hits that $70,000 mark exactly. That gap isn't catastrophic, but it's worth noting that this program's estimated earnings fall slightly below what Colorado's healthcare employers typically pay nursing certificate holders.

The practical question: Is the convenience of a community college program in rural Rangely worth potentially starting $3,500 below the state average? For students already in northwest Colorado or those prioritizing proximity to home, the $19,250 debt load remains reasonable. But if other Colorado nursing programs are accessible, the data suggests they may offer stronger first-year earning potential. The limited graduate sample here—too small for the DOE to report actual outcomes—means you're betting on estimates rather than this school's proven track record.