Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Drexel University
Bachelor's Degree
drexel.eduAnalysis
Drexel's nursing program delivers strong early career outcomes, with graduates earning $85,441 in their first year—well above the national median of $74,888 and ranking in the 85th percentile nationally. However, the program sits in the middle of Pennsylvania's competitive nursing landscape at the 60th percentile, with several in-state alternatives offering similar or slightly better starting salaries.
The debt picture is encouraging, with graduates owing a manageable $30,750 at graduation—actually below both national and state medians for nursing programs. This creates a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a reasonable timeframe. The relatively low debt burden (25th percentile nationally) helps offset the premium tuition you'd expect from a private institution.
The concerning element is the flat earnings trajectory—graduates actually earn slightly less four years out than in their first year. This "early peak" pattern suggests limited salary growth potential, which could impact long-term career earnings compared to programs where nurses see steady advancement. For families prioritizing immediate employability and manageable debt, Drexel delivers solid value. However, if you're considering multiple Pennsylvania options, programs like Immaculata or Villanova offer marginally better starting salaries that might compound over time, though potentially at higher debt levels.
Where Drexel University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Drexel University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | $85,441 | $84,218 | -1% |
| University of Scranton | $82,895 | $97,897 | +18% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $80,943 | $96,143 | +19% |
| Immaculata University | $87,624 | $91,952 | +5% |
| La Salle University | $84,400 | $88,296 | +5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (52 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia | $60,663 | $85,441 | $84,218 | $30,750 | 0.36 |
 Immaculata UniversityImmaculata | $28,550 | $87,624 | $91,952 | $35,593 | 0.41 |
 Villanova UniversityVillanova | $64,701 | $86,241 | $87,471 | $27,000 | 0.31 |
 Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphia | $45,683 | $85,656 | $86,217 | $30,000 | 0.35 |
 La Salle UniversityPhiladelphia | $35,570 | $84,400 | $88,296 | $27,000 | 0.32 |
 Eastern UniversitySaint Davids | $37,420 | $83,733 | $75,087 | $30,311 | 0.36 |
| National Median | — | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Drexel University, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 821 graduates with reported earnings and 865 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.