Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Gannon University
Bachelor's Degree
gannon.eduAnalysis
Gannon's nursing program graduates earn roughly $13,000 less annually than the typical Pennsylvania nursing graduate—a substantial gap that places it in the bottom quarter of state programs. While the debt load seems reasonable at first glance (just slightly above the state median), the real concern is what you're getting for that investment: starting salaries of $65,493 that actually decline slightly by year four. Pennsylvania's nursing market is competitive, with top programs like Immaculata and Villanova placing graduates at over $85,000, demonstrating what's possible in the same job market.
The numbers are particularly disappointing given that nursing is typically a high-demand field with strong earning potential. That 5th percentile national ranking isn't a reflection of Pennsylvania's nursing market—it's specific to Gannon's outcomes. With 52 nursing programs across Pennsylvania and a median starting salary nearly $13,000 higher statewide, students have numerous better options, many at similar or lower costs.
For families considering Gannon's nursing program, this is a case where the investment doesn't align with outcomes. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to attend (location, family ties, specific program features), prospective students should examine higher-performing Pennsylvania nursing programs where the same debt will yield significantly stronger returns.
Where Gannon University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Gannon University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gannon University | $65,493 | $64,630 | -1% |
| University of Scranton | $82,895 | $97,897 | +18% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $80,943 | $96,143 | +19% |
| Immaculata University | $87,624 | $91,952 | +5% |
| La Salle University | $84,400 | $88,296 | +5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (52 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Gannon UniversityErie | $37,951 | $65,493 | $64,630 | $29,485 | 0.45 |
 Immaculata UniversityImmaculata | $28,550 | $87,624 | $91,952 | $35,593 | 0.41 |
 Villanova UniversityVillanova | $64,701 | $86,241 | $87,471 | $27,000 | 0.31 |
 Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphia | $45,683 | $85,656 | $86,217 | $30,000 | 0.35 |
 Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia | $60,663 | $85,441 | $84,218 | $30,750 | 0.36 |
 La Salle UniversityPhiladelphia | $35,570 | $84,400 | $88,296 | $27,000 | 0.32 |
| 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 Gannon University, approximately 22% 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 104 graduates with reported earnings and 107 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.