Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Francis Marion University

Francis Marion's nursing program earns roughly middle-of-the-pack placement among South Carolina's 21 nursing programs, but that's actually a concern given what nurses at comparable schools are making. At $70,110 in first-year earnings, graduates here make about $3,500 less than the state median and lag significantly behind programs at nearby Coastal Carolina ($84,021) or even Lander University ($78,485). More troubling: earnings actually drop to $66,776 by year four, falling further behind state peers and raising questions about career trajectory or local market constraints.

The $29,250 in typical debt isn't excessive for a nursing degree, and the 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates can manage payments. But parents should scrutinize why this program underperforms relative to state competition. Is it hospital networks and employer relationships? Geographic limitations in rural Florence? The 24th national percentile ranking confirms this isn't just about South Carolina having lower nursing wages—this program trails nationally as well.

For families prioritizing financial return, other South Carolina nursing programs offer $6,000-$14,000 more in starting salary for similar debt loads. That gap compounds over a career. Unless Francis Marion offers compelling non-financial advantages—perhaps proximity to home or a particularly supportive learning environment—nursing students can likely find stronger economic outcomes at other in-state options.