Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Gustavus Adolphus College

Minnesota nursing graduates from Gustavus Adolphus typically start around $71,000—below both the state median of $75,600 and the national benchmark of $74,900. In a state with 27 nursing programs, this ranks only in the 40th percentile, meaning six in ten Minnesota nursing programs deliver stronger starting outcomes. The gap is meaningful: top Minnesota programs like Walden and Capella place graduates $14,000-$17,000 higher right out of the gate.

The $27,000 debt load is manageable and matches national norms, yielding a reasonable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio. However, earnings growth tells a cautionary story—just 5% over four years, reaching $74,858. Most nursing careers see stronger salary progression as professionals gain experience and credentials. This flatter trajectory suggests graduates may face constraints in advancement opportunities or specialty transitions compared to peers at other Minnesota programs.

For families choosing between Minnesota nursing programs, Gustavus delivers solid education from a selective liberal arts college (average SAT 1320) but doesn't translate that selectivity into standout nursing outcomes. At this price point, exploring programs in the top half of Minnesota's rankings—particularly those showing stronger year-four earnings—would give your graduate more financial runway for the same or less debt.