Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale's nursing program delivers solid financial outcomes with notably manageable debt, making it a reasonable choice for students prioritizing affordability over maximum earning potential. While first-year earnings of $67,368 lag slightly behind the national median ($68,409), the program performs better than 60% of Florida nursing programs, suggesting decent regional competitiveness. More importantly, graduates carry just $31,499 in debt—well below both national ($20,751) and state ($25,749) medians—resulting in an excellent debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47.
The concerning element is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn less four years out ($65,652) than in their first year, reflecting an "early peak" pattern uncommon in nursing. This suggests graduates may start in higher-paying acute care positions but transition to roles with less growth potential. However, even with this decline, the low debt burden means graduates maintain strong financial flexibility.
For cost-conscious families, this program offers a practical path into nursing without crushing debt, though students seeking maximum earning potential might consider top Florida performers like Broward College or Valencia College. The 97% admission rate and robust sample size (100+ graduates) provide confidence in both accessibility and data reliability. This is a solid, if unspectacular, investment for students prioritizing debt management over income maximization.
Where Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates'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 Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale graduates compare to all programs nationally
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale graduates earn $67k, placing them in the 44th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates 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 Florida
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in Florida (73 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | $67,368 | $65,652 | $31,499 | 0.47 |
| Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations | $73,498 | $73,445 | $37,346 | 0.51 |
| Herzing University-Orlando | $73,342 | $66,789 | $31,509 | 0.43 |
| Broward College | $72,991 | $68,951 | $13,886 | 0.19 |
| Northwest Florida State College | $71,737 | $54,920 | $14,000 | 0.20 |
| Valencia College | $70,422 | $64,578 | $17,750 | 0.25 |
| National Median | $68,409 | — | $20,751 | 0.30 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations West Palm Beach | — | $73,498 | $37,346 |
| Herzing University-Orlando Winter Park | $13,420 | $73,342 | $31,509 |
| Broward College Fort Lauderdale | $2,830 | $72,991 | $13,886 |
| Northwest Florida State College Niceville | $3,246 | $71,737 | $14,000 |
| Valencia College Orlando | $2,474 | $70,422 | $17,750 |
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 Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale, approximately 58% 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 744 graduates with reported earnings and 1142 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.