Median Earnings (1yr)
$83,363
80th percentile
60th percentile in Pennsylvania
Median Debt
$29,000
7% above national median

Analysis

Holy Family University's nursing program delivers strong early career outcomes that place graduates well above national standards, though the complete lack of earnings growth over four years deserves attention. With median starting salaries of $83,363, graduates earn significantly more than the national average of $74,888 and outpace most Pennsylvania nursing programs, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide among 52 schools offering this degree.

The debt picture is quite manageable at $29,000β€”just slightly above both national and state medians but resulting in a healthy debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35. This means graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their loans while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. However, the flat earnings trajectory from year one to year four ($83,634) suggests this program may not provide the same long-term earning potential as nursing degrees that show steady salary progression.

For parents evaluating this investment, Holy Family offers solid value with above-average starting salaries and reasonable debt loads. While it doesn't crack the top tier of Pennsylvania nursing schools like Villanova or Immaculata, it provides reliable entry into a stable, well-compensated profession. The key consideration is whether your child values immediate earning power over long-term salary growth potential.

Where Holy Family University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Holy Family University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Holy Family University$83,363$83,634+0%
University of Scranton$82,895$97,897+18%
University of Pennsylvania$80,943$96,143+19%
Immaculata University$87,624$91,952+5%
La Salle University$84,400$88,296+5%

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (52 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Holy Family UniversityPhiladelphia$33,968$83,363$83,634$29,0000.35
Immaculata UniversityImmaculata$28,550$87,624$91,952$35,5930.41
Villanova UniversityVillanova$64,701$86,241$87,471$27,0000.31
Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphia$45,683$85,656$86,217$30,0000.35
Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia$60,663$85,441$84,218$30,7500.36
La Salle UniversityPhiladelphia$35,570$84,400$88,296$27,0000.32
National Medianβ€”$74,888β€”$27,0000.36

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates

Nurse Anesthetists

Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Midwives

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Practitioners

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Registered Nurses

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Acute Care Nurses

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Critical Care Nurses

Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Holy Family University, approximately 40% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 420 graduates with reported earnings and 421 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.