Median Earnings (1yr)
$73,758
44th percentile
40th percentile in Maine
Median Debt
$29,000
7% above national median

Analysis

Husson's nursing program shows an unusual pattern that deserves scrutiny: graduates earn $73,758 in their first year—roughly on par with the state median—but see their income drop to $67,288 by year four. That's a 9% decline when most nursing careers are climbing. This backward trajectory places the program below 60% of Maine's nursing programs, with competitors like the University of Maine at Augusta producing graduates who earn $15,000 more annually.

The $29,000 debt load is manageable and matches Maine's average, but it matters less when paired with earnings that trend downward rather than up. One possibility: graduates may be leaving Maine for better opportunities elsewhere, or the program's practical training may not position them as competitively for advancement into specialty or supervisory roles. With nine nursing programs in the state, Maine families have options that show stronger four-year outcomes.

If your child is committed to staying in the Bangor area, Husson provides accessible entry into nursing with reasonable debt. But if maximizing earning potential matters—and the robust data here is reliable—look closely at why this program's graduates lose ground while peers at other Maine schools gain it. That earnings dip isn't typical for nursing and warrants direct questions to the school about graduate placement and career progression.

Where Husson University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Husson University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Husson University$73,758$67,288-9%
Saint Joseph's College of Maine$74,114$78,119+5%
University of Maine at Fort Kent$71,551$76,049+6%
University of New England$77,895$71,590-8%
University of Maine$77,737$71,443-8%

Compare to Similar Programs in Maine

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maine (9 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Husson UniversityBangor$22,194$73,758$67,288$29,0000.39
University of Maine at AugustaAugusta$8,618$82,845$68,022$29,5100.36
University of New EnglandBiddeford$42,550$77,895$71,590$27,0000.35
University of MaineOrono$12,606$77,737$71,443$27,0000.35
Saint Joseph's College of MaineStandish$42,834$74,114$78,119$27,0000.36
University of Southern MainePortland$10,920$71,675$63,969$29,2420.41
National Median$74,888$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 Husson University, approximately 35% 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 105 graduates with reported earnings and 107 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.