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

Herzing University-Birmingham's nursing program generates strong first-year earnings of $73,342—roughly $10,000 above Alabama's median for nursing programs and ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. But here's the catch: by year four, earnings drop to $66,789, a 9% decline that goes against the typical nursing career trajectory. With debt of $31,509 (nearly double the state median of $16,250), graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43—manageable but significantly higher than what students carry at Alabama's community college nursing programs.

The comparison to in-state alternatives matters here. Bishop State Community College produces similar first-year earnings ($71,034) with substantially less debt, while Southern Union and Coastal Alabama also deliver competitive outcomes at lower cost. Herzing serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (64%), but that mission doesn't fully explain why debt runs so much higher than comparable programs across the state.

The program works financially—new nurses earn enough to manage their loans—but the combination of declining earnings and above-average debt means your child would start with less cushion than peers at other Alabama nursing schools. If Herzing offers specific advantages like scheduling flexibility or location, factor those in. Otherwise, the state's community college options provide better value for this same credential.