Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Graceland University-Lamoni

Graceland's nursing program lands right in the middle of Iowa's competitive nursing education landscape—sitting at the 40th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $67,000. While this trails top Iowa programs like Luther College ($75,533) by about $8,500 annually, it closely matches the state median and positions graduates slightly below the national average. The manageable debt load of $30,754 means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, and the 19% earnings bump to nearly $80,000 by year four suggests steady career progression.

What matters here is the total package. This isn't a top-tier Iowa nursing program by earnings, but it's not a bottom-tier one either. The debt-to-earnings ratio is reasonable, and the school's 45% Pell Grant population indicates it's serving students who might not have access to more selective programs. For a family weighing in-state options, you'd be paying similar debt for middle-of-the-pack outcomes compared to programs like Northwestern or Dordt that deliver stronger returns.

The practical question: If your child can access one of Iowa's higher-earning nursing programs, the $4,000-8,000 annual difference adds up significantly over a career. But if Graceland is the accessible option due to location or admission requirements, the fundamentals—manageable debt and solid post-graduation employment—are sound enough to launch a nursing career.