Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Fairmont State University

Fairmont State's nursing program starts strong with first-year earnings of nearly $70,000—above both state and national medians—but then loses ground. By year four, graduates earn $64,254, representing an 8% decline that's unusual for nursing, where earnings typically rise as experience accumulates. This downward trajectory suggests graduates may face challenges with career advancement or retention in higher-paying positions.

The debt picture offers some consolation: at $31,000, it's higher than West Virginia's median but still manageable given the strong starting salary. That 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year income, which is reasonable. However, as earnings decline while debt stays fixed, the financial cushion narrows over time. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among West Virginia nursing programs—solid but not exceptional—trailing schools like Davis & Elkins and Blue Ridge Community by several thousand dollars.

For a nursing credential that typically promises steady, upward earnings, this pattern is a red flag. The initial salary is strong enough to justify the investment, but the subsequent decline demands explanation. Is it high burnout rates? Limited opportunities for specialization in the Fairmont area? Parents should ask the school directly about graduate retention and career progression before committing.