Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Associate's Degree
keiseruniversity.eduAnalysis
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 debtβwell below both national ($20,751) and state ($25,749) mediansβresulting 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
Earnings Distribution
How Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | $67,368 | $65,652 | -3% |
| Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations | $73,498 | $73,445 | -0% |
| Miami Dade College | $64,608 | $73,314 | +13% |
| Southeastern College-West Palm Beach | $67,608 | $70,367 | +4% |
| South Florida State College | $65,691 | $70,340 | +7% |
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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $24,136 | $67,368 | $65,652 | $31,499 | 0.47 | |
| β | $73,498 | $73,445 | $37,346 | 0.51 | |
| $13,420 | $73,342 | $66,789 | $31,509 | 0.43 | |
| $2,830 | $72,991 | $68,951 | $13,886 | 0.19 | |
| $3,246 | $71,737 | $54,920 | $14,000 | 0.20 | |
| $2,474 | $70,422 | $64,578 | $17,750 | 0.25 | |
| National Median | β | $68,409 | β | $20,751 | 0.30 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
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.