Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Fresno Pacific University
Bachelor's Degree
fresno.eduAnalysis
Based on comparable nursing programs across California, Fresno Pacific appears positioned in the heart of the state's nursing market, with estimated first-year earnings around $100,600 and debt near $27,000. By year four, graduates are earning $119,000—putting them alongside peers from Cal State Stanislaus and Pacific Union College. The 0.27 debt ratio suggests manageable repayment, though remember these figures reflect what similar programs produce rather than verified outcomes from Fresno Pacific itself.
California's nursing market is exceptionally strong, with typical first-year earnings of $100,600 statewide—about $25,000 above the national median for nursing bachelor's programs. The estimated debt load here matches both state and national norms at $27,000, which represents roughly three months of first-year salary based on peer program outcomes. With 59% of students receiving Pell grants, Fresno Pacific serves a population where this debt-to-earnings picture matters considerably.
The challenge is simple: you're evaluating an investment based on what *similar* programs achieve, not what Fresno Pacific's actual nursing graduates earn or owe. If California nursing salaries hold—and the state's healthcare market suggests they will—the economics work. But confirm the school's NCLEX pass rates and job placement support, since those practical factors will determine whether your student captures the outcomes that peer programs deliver.
Where Fresno Pacific University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno Pacific University | — | $119,148 | — |
| California State University-East Bay | $124,392 | $139,795 | +12% |
| Samuel Merritt University | $119,486 | $135,557 | +13% |
| Dominican University of California | $97,762 | $132,781 | +36% |
| San Francisco State University | $117,532 | $132,542 | +13% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (65 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,558 | $100,589* | $119,148 | $27,000* | — | |
| $8,190 | $125,646* | $124,083 | $19,750* | 0.16 | |
| $7,055 | $124,392* | $139,795 | $18,875* | 0.15 | |
| — | $119,486* | $135,557 | $25,000* | 0.21 | |
| $7,826 | $119,356* | $111,925 | $23,450* | 0.20 | |
| $35,214 | $119,258* | $112,642 | $31,000* | 0.26 | |
| National Median | — | $74,888* | — | $27,000* | 0.36 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Fresno Pacific University, approximately 59% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 40 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.