Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Graham Hospital School of Nursing

With 73% of students receiving Pell grants, Graham Hospital School of Nursing serves a predominantly working-class population—and the estimated financial picture suggests they're getting decent value. Based on median figures from Illinois nursing programs, graduates here likely earn around $73,000 in their first year while carrying about $27,000 in debt. That 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio means roughly four months of gross income to cover what's borrowed, which is manageable for a healthcare credential with strong employment prospects.

The earnings estimate sits right at Illinois's median for nursing bachelor's programs, though notably below top performers in the state like Chamberlain ($83,000) or Governors State ($80,000). Still, nursing offers something many majors don't: consistent labor market demand and clear paths to higher pay through experience and specialization. The debt load matches both state and national medians exactly, suggesting Graham's small program likely follows typical patterns for nursing schools in Illinois.

For families weighing this investment, the fundamentals look sound—peer programs produce the kind of early-career earnings that justify typical nursing school debt. The question is whether Graham's clinical training and local hospital partnerships can match the outcomes of these comparable programs. With such high Pell enrollment, this school is clearly serving students who need affordable pathways into healthcare careers. If the estimated numbers hold true for actual graduates here, they're getting them.