Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Guilford Technical Community College

The unusual earnings trajectory here deserves attention: Guilford Tech nursing graduates start strong at $67,200, then see their median income drop to $58,374 by year four—a 13% decline that runs counter to typical career progression. While the starting salary nearly matches North Carolina's state median, this program ranks in just the 40th percentile among NC nursing programs, meaning six out of ten nursing schools in the state produce better outcomes. For perspective, Robeson Community College graduates earn $77,475, and even the state median sits at $67,505.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $20,795, borrowing aligns with national norms and translates to a manageable 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio based on first-year income. However, North Carolina nursing students typically graduate with just $14,725 in debt—about 40% less than what Guilford Tech graduates carry. The immediate financial return looks workable, but the declining earnings pattern raises questions about whether graduates are finding positions that offer typical nursing career advancement, or if they're ending up in roles with limited growth potential.

For an in-state student choosing between NC's 59 nursing programs, Guilford Tech sits squarely in the middle of the pack while charging above-average debt. The program isn't prohibitively expensive, but neighboring community colleges deliver stronger outcomes—both higher starting salaries and the career growth you'd expect to see in nursing. If Guilford Tech offers specific location advantages, it's viable. Otherwise, the state has clearer wins.