Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Hagerstown Community College

Hagerstown Community College's nursing program starts strong—graduates earn nearly $74,000 right out of the gate, outpacing three-quarters of similar programs nationally. But there's a catch: earnings actually decline to $69,750 by year four, a 6% drop that's unusual for nursing careers. Among Maryland's 16 nursing programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, though nearby schools like Prince George's and Baltimore County produce notably higher earners.

The $25,000 debt load is manageable at just 34% of first-year earnings, significantly lower than the concerning 50% threshold economists watch for. That's about $6,500 more than Maryland's typical nursing program debt, but the strong initial salary justifies it. For context, nursing is typically a profession where earnings grow steadily—seeing them decline here suggests graduates may face local job market constraints or limited advancement opportunities in the Hagerstown area.

If your child plans to stay in western Maryland, this program provides a solid foundation with reasonable debt. However, they should seriously consider commuting or relocating to programs near Baltimore or DC that show sustained earning power above $75,000, especially since nursing credentials are portable statewide. The initial salary is excellent, but declining earnings by year four raises questions about long-term value.