Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at CUNY Bronx Community College

CUNY Bronx Community College's nursing program costs $17,444 in debt and launches graduates to a median salary of $73,415—a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.24 that ranks among the best in healthcare education. Within four years, earnings climb to over $90,000, delivering solid career momentum. For families comparing options, this community college approach dramatically undercuts the state median debt of nearly $25,000 while matching the typical NY nursing graduate's starting salary.

The catch? These numbers come from a small sample size, so they may not reflect every graduate's experience. Still, the fundamentals are sound: starting salaries exceed the national median by $5,000, and the program serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (57%) who clearly need an affordable pathway into healthcare. While top programs like Cochran School of Nursing push earnings above $100,000, their debt loads likely tell a different story.

For a parent weighing community college against more expensive alternatives, this data suggests the associate degree route delivers professional nursing credentials without the crushing debt. The earnings trajectory shows real growth potential, and that sub-0.25 debt ratio means graduates can actually build wealth in their twenties rather than treading water on loan payments.