Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
While Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale's nursing program produces solid earnings that exceed both national and state medians, the debt burden tells a more complicated story. Graduates earn $77,345 in their first year—outperforming 60% of nursing programs both nationally and within Florida—but they're saddled with $40,000 in debt, nearly double the state median of $23,261.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means graduates face manageable monthly payments, and the 14% earnings growth to $87,813 by year four shows promising career progression. However, Florida offers significantly better value options. Community colleges like Miami Dade and Seminole State produce graduates earning $90,000+ with likely lower debt loads, while private competitors like West Coast University deliver $95,859 starting salaries that could justify higher tuition costs.
Keiser's 97% admission rate and high Pell Grant usage (58%) suggest it serves students who might struggle to gain admission elsewhere, which adds context to its value proposition. For families with limited options or those prioritizing easy admission, Keiser delivers solid nursing career outcomes. But parents should carefully compare total costs against Florida's public nursing programs, which appear to offer better return on investment for this high-demand field.
Where Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors'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 $77k, placing them in the 60th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors 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 bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (72 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | $77,345 | $87,813 | $40,000 | 0.52 |
| West Coast University-Miami | $95,859 | $98,869 | $38,145 | 0.40 |
| Valencia College | $93,751 | — | $22,158 | 0.24 |
| Miami Dade College | $90,158 | — | $12,500 | 0.14 |
| Seminole State College of Florida | $89,194 | — | $22,134 | 0.25 |
| Pasco-Hernando State College | $89,145 | — | $22,097 | 0.25 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast University-Miami Doral | $23,691 | $95,859 | $38,145 |
| Valencia College Orlando | $2,474 | $93,751 | $22,158 |
| Miami Dade College Miami | $2,838 | $90,158 | $12,500 |
| Seminole State College of Florida Sanford | $3,227 | $89,194 | $22,134 |
| Pasco-Hernando State College New Port Richey | $3,155 | $89,145 | $22,097 |
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 361 graduates with reported earnings and 421 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.