Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Edgecombe Community College

Edgecombe Community College's nursing graduates face an unusual earnings trajectory: strong entry salaries of $66,322 drop 12% to $58,318 by year four. This backward slide is concerning for a profession where most nurses see steady income growth as they gain experience. The initial earnings place graduates slightly below both state and national medians, and the program ranks in just the 40th percentile among North Carolina's 59 nursing programs—meaning you'd do better at most alternatives. Top performers like Robeson Community College ($77,475) and Stanly Community College ($76,008) show what's possible elsewhere in the state.

The $26,683 debt load is actually higher than the state median of $14,725, though the 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable in year one. However, as earnings decline while debt stays fixed, that ratio becomes less favorable over time. Nearly half of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting many families are stretching financially to attend—making the below-average outcomes harder to justify.

For a North Carolina family, this is a second-tier choice at best. The debt is higher and the earnings lower than what you'd find at most community college nursing programs across the state, with the added red flag of declining income. Look at Johnston, Central Piedmont, or Stanly before committing here.