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

Columbia College nursing graduates earn $71,271 in their first year—placing them in the 60th percentile among Missouri nursing programs, which is surprisingly solid for a school that's actually below the national median. Here's what matters: while their earnings trail national averages by about $3,600, they outpace the typical Missouri nursing graduate by roughly $2,400. For families weighing in-state options, this program delivers above-average results within its competitive set.

The financial structure looks particularly attractive. At $35,000 in median debt, graduates carry only $8,000 more than the state median, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 means a new nurse can realistically pay down half their debt in their first year if they prioritize it. Given that 44% of students receive Pell grants, this debt level represents a manageable barrier to entry for a profession with stable demand. The program sits in just the 15th percentile for debt nationally—meaning 85% of comparable programs leave students with higher debt loads.

The gap with top Missouri programs like Chamberlain ($83,188) or Research College of Nursing ($75,705) is noticeable but not disqualifying. Columbia College offers a middle-ground value: better than half the state's nursing schools at a debt level that won't derail your child's financial future. For families seeking a nursing degree without premium price tags or below-average outcomes, this hits the sweet spot.