Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Herzing University-Atlanta

Herzing University-Atlanta's nursing program presents a concerning financial picture that should give parents pause. While graduates earn a respectable $75,774 in their first year—slightly above the national average—they actually see their earnings *decline* to $70,560 by year four, putting them in the bottom 40th percentile among Georgia nursing programs. This "early peak" pattern is unusual in nursing, where salaries typically grow steadily.

The debt burden is particularly troubling. At nearly $44,000, graduates carry 64% more debt than the typical nursing student nationally and 65% more than other Georgia nursing programs. Among all nursing programs nationwide, this ranks in the 95th percentile for debt—meaning only 5% of programs saddle students with higher loan balances. Even with the solid starting salary, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means graduates face a heavier financial burden than most of their peers.

Georgia offers significantly better options. Five programs in the state produce graduates earning $81,000-$85,000 annually while typically requiring far less debt. Given that nursing is a stable, in-demand field with generally strong employment prospects, your child would likely be better served at a state school or community college program that delivers similar career outcomes without the premium price tag.