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

Jamestown Community College's nursing program shows an unusual pattern: graduates earn a solid $65,972 in their first year, but that income drops to $58,652 by year four—an 11% decline. This contrasts sharply with most nursing careers, which typically see steady salary growth. While the starting salary approaches the national median, earnings fall well below both New York's state median ($73,415) and land this program around the 40th percentile among New York nursing programs.

The moderate debt load of $18,500 provides some relief—it's notably lower than New York's typical $24,957 for nursing programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about four months of gross income, which is manageable. However, the downward earnings trajectory raises questions about career progression. This could reflect nurses moving to lower-paying rural settings, switching to part-time work, or facing limited advancement opportunities in the Jamestown area.

For families weighing this investment, the numbers suggest an affordable entry point into nursing, but career growth may require geographic mobility. If staying in western New York is the plan, compare these outcomes carefully against higher-performing CUNY and downstate programs that show $90,000+ earnings. The low debt matters, but so does long-term earning potential—particularly in a field where most graduates see their incomes rise, not fall.