Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University's nursing program graduates earn nearly $78,000 right out of school with manageable debt of $21,070—a debt load that's about 15% lower than the state median and well below the national benchmark. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27, graduates could realistically pay off their loans within a year or two of focused repayment. The program ranks solidly in the 60th percentile among Florida's 72 nursing programs, though it's worth noting that several community colleges in the state report higher early-career earnings.

The concerning pattern here is the flat earnings trajectory: graduates make essentially the same salary four years out as they do in year one. While many Florida nursing programs show this plateau effect due to the state's healthcare market dynamics, it means the financial advantage comes entirely from that strong starting salary and low debt burden. You won't see the salary growth that happens in some other fields, but you also won't be waiting years to reach peak earning potential.

For a family evaluating cost versus return, this is straightforward math: your child graduates with relatively little debt and immediately enters a stable, well-paying profession. The lack of earnings growth means career advancement may require additional credentials or specialization, but the foundational economics—especially that low debt load—give graduates flexibility to pursue those options without financial strain.