Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay

This nursing program delivers strong immediate earnings that place graduates in a favorable position within Florida, though the trajectory raises some concerns. At $68,114 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about $3,400 more than the typical Florida nursing associate's degree holder, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. More importantly, the debt load of $34,859 is exceptionally manageable—ranking in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden, meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more debt.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 is excellent for healthcare education, allowing graduates to realistically manage loan payments while building their careers. However, the flat earnings growth over four years (-1%) is unusual for nursing and suggests graduates may hit an early ceiling without additional credentialing. This "early peak" pattern means the strong starting salary may be as good as it gets without pursuing a bachelor's degree.

While this program doesn't crack Florida's top tier (programs like Academy for Nursing and Broward College produce $5,000+ higher earners), it offers a compelling value proposition: solid starting pay with minimal debt burden. For families prioritizing quick entry into the workforce with manageable student loans, this represents a practical path into nursing, though students should plan for eventual degree advancement to maximize long-term earning potential.