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

Johnston Community College nursing graduates hit the ground running with first-year earnings of $74,366—$7,000 above the state median for North Carolina nursing programs. The $13,167 in typical debt is both manageable (you'd pay it off in just two months of work) and well below the national average of $20,751. At 60th percentile statewide, this program outperforms the majority of NC nursing options while keeping debt exceptionally low.

The concerning piece is what happens next: by year four, median earnings drop to $59,248, a 20% decline that's unusual in a field known for steady income. This pattern could reflect graduates shifting to part-time work, moving into lower-paying specialties, or simply the variability that comes with a moderate sample size. It's worth noting that even with this decline, the debt burden remains trivial—graduates would still owe less than three weeks' salary at year-four earnings.

For families focused on getting nursing credentials efficiently and affordably, Johnston delivers. The initial earning power and minimal debt create a strong foundation, even if the earnings trajectory doesn't follow the typical nursing arc. Just understand you're betting on that first-year performance holding steady rather than continuing upward.