Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Grays Harbor College

Grays Harbor College's nursing program launches graduates into strong starting salaries—$81,243 puts them well above the national median and competitive within Washington's robust nursing market. At 60th percentile statewide, they're solidly middle-of-the-pack among Washington's 32 nursing programs, trailing top performers like Highline and Olympic by just a few thousand dollars. The $18,769 in typical debt is manageable, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 that most families would find comfortable.

The challenge surfaces in year four, when median earnings drop to $69,993. This 14% decline is unusual for nursing and could reflect graduates moving to part-time work, relocating to lower-cost areas, or shifting into roles that trade immediate salary for better schedules or working conditions. It's worth noting this pattern differs from most nursing programs, which typically show steady earnings growth as nurses gain experience and certifications.

For families evaluating this program, the initial financial return is solid—you'll start earning well above what most nursing graduates make nationally. The debt load won't overwhelm that first paycheck. However, budget conservatively for those first few years and have a conversation about career goals. If your child plans to work full-time in acute care settings long-term, they may eventually outpace these four-year figures. For now, this represents a reasonable investment with strong early outcomes, particularly for students who want to stay in the Aberdeen area.