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

Howard Community College's nursing program graduates earn above the national average but trail most Maryland nursing programs—a gap that matters since nearly all community college nursing grads stay in-state for jobs. At $71,307 in starting salary, graduates here earn about $2,000 less than the Maryland median and significantly trail top community college programs like Prince George's ($89,437) and Baltimore County ($75,725). The 40th percentile state ranking suggests this program sits in the bottom half of Maryland options, despite performing respectably against national benchmarks.

The debt load of $24,560 is higher than both the state and national medians for associate nursing programs, though the 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable for healthcare. More concerning is the minimal earnings growth—just 2% from year one to year four—suggesting graduates may hit their ceiling quickly. With Maryland's competitive nursing market and higher-paying programs at nearby community colleges, the earnings trajectory here looks flat.

For Maryland families, this program works but isn't the strongest value among state community colleges. The combination of middle-tier starting pay and limited growth means your child will likely earn $10,000-15,000 less annually than peers at top Maryland programs. If accepted elsewhere in-state, compare offers carefully—those earnings differences compound significantly over a nursing career.