Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech's nursing program delivers solid value with notably low debt, but the unusual earnings pattern raises some concerns. While graduates earn $65,738 in their first year—matching Indiana's median for nursing programs and ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—earnings actually drop to $60,435 by year four. This decline is uncommon in nursing and suggests graduates may face challenges advancing or maintaining higher-paying positions.

The program's strongest asset is affordability. At $18,000 median debt, it's roughly half the national average ($20,751) and significantly below Indiana's median debt of $34,290 for nursing programs. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.27, meaning graduates can realistically pay off loans quickly even with the earnings decline. Among Indiana's seven nursing programs, Ivy Tech ranks competitively in earnings while offering the most manageable debt burden.

The earnings drop from year one to four is the key concern here. This could reflect part-time work transitions, job market saturation, or difficulty advancing without a bachelor's degree in an increasingly competitive field. However, the low debt load provides financial flexibility to pursue additional education or weather career transitions. For families prioritizing affordability and immediate employment, this program offers a viable path into nursing, but students should plan for potential salary stagnation and consider their longer-term career advancement strategy.