Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Immaculata University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Immaculata's nursing program sits in an interesting position: it delivers top-tier national outcomes (89th percentile) while landing squarely in the middle of Pennsylvania's competitive nursing landscape (60th percentile in-state). First-year graduates earn $87,624, outpacing the national median by nearly $13,000 but trailing only slightly behind PA heavyweights like Villanova and Drexel. The debt load of $35,593 is higher than typical for nursing programs, though the strong earnings still produce a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates earn more than twice what they owe.
The real question is whether the premium price tag makes sense when Pennsylvania offers 52 nursing programs, many with similar outcomes at lower cost. The state's median debt for nursing is $28,174, making Immaculata's graduates carry about $7,400 more. That said, nursing is one of the most forgiving fields for student debt, and Immaculata's graduates start strong and continue climbing to $91,952 by year four. With a robust sample size backing these numbers, the data reflects genuine program performance rather than statistical noise.
For families comfortable with the higher debt burden, this program delivers reliable entry into Pennsylvania's nursing workforce with earnings that put graduates ahead nationally. If minimizing debt is the priority, however, several Pennsylvania programs offer comparable outcomes at lower cost.
Where Immaculata University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Immaculata University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Immaculata University graduates earn $88k, placing them in the 89th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immaculata University | $87,624 | $91,952 | $35,593 | 0.41 |
| Villanova University | $86,241 | $87,471 | $27,000 | 0.31 |
| Thomas Jefferson University | $85,656 | $86,217 | $30,000 | 0.35 |
| Drexel University | $85,441 | $84,218 | $30,750 | 0.36 |
| La Salle University | $84,400 | $88,296 | $27,000 | 0.32 |
| Eastern University | $83,733 | $75,087 | $30,311 | 0.36 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villanova University Villanova | $64,701 | $86,241 | $27,000 |
| Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia | $45,683 | $85,656 | $30,000 |
| Drexel University Philadelphia | $60,663 | $85,441 | $30,750 |
| La Salle University Philadelphia | $35,570 | $84,400 | $27,000 |
| Eastern University Saint Davids | $37,420 | $83,733 | $30,311 |
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 Immaculata University, approximately 21% 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 117 graduates with reported earnings and 128 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.