Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Community College of Allegheny County

Community College of Allegheny County's nursing program produces solid, immediate results—graduates earn about $63,000 right out of school—but these earnings sit below both Pennsylvania's median ($67,241) and place in just the 40th percentile statewide. More concerning, earnings remain flat four years later while debt of $22,772 is actually below Pennsylvania's typical $26,000. The real question is why Pittsburgh-area nursing graduates aren't seeing the salary progression that typically comes with experience, especially when Pennsylvania's top community college nursing programs produce graduates earning $75,000-$78,000 annually.

The flat earnings trajectory matters more than the starting salary. New nurses often see meaningful raises as they gain skills and certifications, but these graduates show zero income growth over four years. Meanwhile, programs like Montgomery County and Lehigh Carbon—also community colleges in Pennsylvania—are placing graduates into positions paying $15,000 more annually. Given that Pittsburgh's healthcare market is robust and competitive, this gap suggests the program may not be positioning graduates for the higher-paying hospital systems or specialized units that drive nursing salaries upward.

For families comparing options: the debt load is manageable and the immediate employment prospects are decent, but this program underperforms its Pennsylvania peers significantly. If staying in Pittsburgh is essential, it provides a pathway into nursing. If mobility is possible, Pennsylvania has stronger community college nursing options that deliver substantially better returns.