Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences

Joyce University's nursing program sits squarely in the middle of Utah's options—exactly at the state median for earnings but with notably higher debt than most competitors. Graduates earn $63,117 in their first year, which matches what nearby programs like Snow College deliver, but they carry $26,250 in debt compared to Utah's typical $17,828. That $8,400 debt premium doesn't unlock higher earnings; you're essentially paying more for the same outcome.

The bigger concern is the complete absence of earnings growth. Four years out, graduates still earn essentially the same $63,000, while nationally this program type typically shows some upward trajectory. This stagnation becomes more significant when you consider that Joyce's graduates already start below the national median of $68,409. The 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable—you're not looking at crushing debt—but it's not competitive with what other Utah programs offer.

For Utah families, this comes down to a simple question: why pay above-average debt for average results? Programs like Salt Lake Community College or Snow College deliver similar or better earnings with significantly less borrowing. Unless Joyce offers specific scheduling flexibility or clinical placements that other schools can't match, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere in the state.