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

Frederick Community College's nursing program solves the debt problem but trails on earnings. With graduates owing just $11,750—about half the state average and 43% below the national typical debt—this represents one of the most affordable nursing pathways in Maryland. The catch? First-year earnings of $70,649 sit below the state median of $73,334, ranking in the 40th percentile among Maryland nursing programs. While that's still slightly above the national benchmark, other Maryland community colleges are pushing graduates $3,000-$19,000 higher in starting pay.

The financial math still works here—with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17, graduates owe roughly two months of salary, manageable by any measure. But the earnings plateau between year one and year four suggests limited advancement potential, which matters in a field where many nurses pursue higher credentials and specialized roles. Given Maryland's competitive nursing job market, that $3,000 gap to the state median could compound significantly over a career.

For families prioritizing minimal debt and guaranteed employability in healthcare, Frederick delivers. But if your student plans to stay in Maryland long-term, compare this carefully against nearby Carroll Community or Harford Community College, which produce similar debt loads while starting graduates $3,000-$4,000 higher. That difference could fund continuing education or accelerate the path to a BSN.