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

Nursing certificates typically offer one of the clearest paths to immediate earnings in healthcare, and the numbers here suggest why. Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates can expect first-year earnings around $66,400—solid income for an undergraduate credential. The estimated debt of $26,558 produces a manageable 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning you'd owe roughly 40 cents for every dollar earned in that first year. This aligns with what makes nursing credentials particularly attractive: relatively modest time and cost investment for professional-level wages.

What matters more than the precise figures—which come from peer programs since Donnelly's graduate pool is too small for the DOE to publish—is the fundamental economics. Nursing credentials consistently deliver strong returns because healthcare employers urgently need qualified staff and pay accordingly. With 63% of Donnelly students receiving Pell grants, this program serves exactly the population that most needs clear financial payoff from their education investment.

The key question is whether this certificate leads to full RN licensure or serves as a stepping stone. A credential that gets you working as a registered nurse quickly, even with additional requirements ahead, offers both immediate income and the foundation for further advancement. Verify the specific licensure pathway this program provides—that determines whether the investment translates to immediate employment or requires additional steps.