Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Davis & Elkins College

Davis & Elkins nursing graduates start strong—$71,201 immediately after graduation puts them ahead of most West Virginia nursing programs and above the national median. The debt burden of $25,500 is reasonable, translating to a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio. For families focused on immediate employment prospects and avoiding excessive borrowing, those initial numbers look solid.

The concerning pattern emerges four years out, when median earnings drop to $59,426—a 16% decline that's unusual for nursing, which typically shows stable or growing earnings. This downturn could reflect graduates moving to part-time work, leaving the field, or working in lower-paying rural healthcare settings common in West Virginia. It's worth noting that even with this decline, Davis & Elkins grads still perform at the 60th percentile statewide, suggesting this pattern may partly reflect broader regional healthcare economics rather than program quality alone.

For families weighing this program, the question centers on whether that strong initial placement justifies the investment, knowing earnings may not follow the typical upward trajectory. If your child plans to work in West Virginia healthcare long-term, understanding the local market dynamics matters more than the four-year data point. The moderate debt load means this isn't a high-risk bet, but parents should discuss career goals beyond that first job.