Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Goodwin University

Goodwin University's nursing program commands a premium price—nearly double the typical debt load at $48,455—but the earnings justify serious consideration. New graduates earn $89,747, placing them in the 94th percentile nationally and well above Connecticut's median for nursing programs. That's substantial income right out of the gate, particularly for a school serving a high proportion of first-generation college students (48% receive Pell grants).

The tradeoff becomes clearer when you look at Connecticut's competitive nursing landscape. While Goodwin graduates earn strong salaries, they're in the middle of the pack for the state (60th percentile), trailing programs like University of Hartford and Fairfield by $15,000-$17,000. Those schools carry similar debt loads, making them potentially better values if your child can gain admission. The slight dip in earnings by year four (-2%) is common in nursing as new grads often work overtime that levels off, so it's not a red flag.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 means your child would owe about half their first year's salary—manageable for a healthcare profession with reliable employment. If Goodwin is the most accessible option for your family, the investment can work. But if your child qualifies for Connecticut's more competitive nursing programs, they'll likely achieve similar or better outcomes with comparable debt.