Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Galen College of Nursing-Louisville
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Galen College of Nursing-Louisville delivers solid nursing career outcomes with notably manageable debt, making it a practical choice for your nursing student. Graduates earn $76,234 in their first year—above both the national median ($74,888) and Kentucky's median ($70,523) for nursing programs. Among Kentucky's 23 nursing programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, placing it in the upper tier of state options.
The standout feature here is the debt picture. At $45,775, student debt sits in just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of nursing programs nationally saddle students with more debt. This is substantially higher than typical nursing program debt ($27,000 nationally, $28,250 in Kentucky), but the strong starting salaries create a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60. With steady earnings growth to $82,003 by year four, graduates can reasonably expect to handle their loan payments.
While Galen doesn't crack Kentucky's top tier (three programs start graduates above $80,000), it offers a reliable path to a stable nursing career without the crushing debt common at many institutions. For families prioritizing financial security over prestige, this represents a sensible investment in nursing education.
Where Galen College of Nursing-Louisville Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Galen College of Nursing-Louisville graduates compare to all programs nationally
Galen College of Nursing-Louisville graduates earn $76k, placing them in the 55th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (23 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galen College of Nursing-Louisville | $76,234 | $82,003 | $45,775 | 0.60 |
| Beckfield College-Florence | $83,033 | — | $49,805 | 0.60 |
| University of Pikeville | $82,878 | — | $33,618 | 0.41 |
| University of the Cumberlands | $81,012 | — | $29,400 | 0.36 |
| Kentucky Christian University | $76,970 | $70,627 | $27,750 | 0.36 |
| Union Commonwealth University | $72,614 | — | $27,830 | 0.38 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Kentucky
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kentucky schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beckfield College-Florence Florence | $13,295 | $83,033 | $49,805 |
| University of Pikeville Pikeville | $24,150 | $82,878 | $33,618 |
| University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg | $9,875 | $81,012 | $29,400 |
| Kentucky Christian University Grayson | $25,000 | $76,970 | $27,750 |
| Union Commonwealth University Barbourville | $30,946 | $72,614 | $27,830 |
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 Galen College of Nursing-Louisville, approximately 26% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 607 graduates with reported earnings and 760 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.