Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Columbia-Greene Community College

Columbia-Greene Community College's nursing program graduates start at nearly $70,000—solid money right out of the gate—but here's the catch: four years later, they're earning almost exactly the same amount. While the program sits slightly above the national median for associate nursing programs, it falls below the middle of the pack among New York schools, where the typical nursing graduate makes about $4,000 more. The state's top community college nursing programs are launching graduates into careers starting at $90,000-plus, suggesting stronger hospital networks or more competitive placements.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $27,000, graduates carry more than the national average but less than New York's typical nursing school debt load. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39, most graduates should manage payments comfortably on that $69,000 starting salary. The program serves a significant number of Pell-eligible students, providing an accessible path to middle-class stability.

The flat earnings trajectory is the real concern. While some earnings stagnation is normal in nursing (where pay scales are often rigid), the complete absence of growth over four years suggests graduates may not be accessing positions with advancement potential. If your child is looking at this program, the question becomes whether they're prepared to actively seek advancement opportunities—specialty certifications, management roles, or moves to higher-paying facilities—that won't happen automatically.