Median Earnings (1yr)
$77,345
60th percentile
Median Debt
$40,000
48% above national median

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 yearβ€”outperforming 60% of nursing programs both nationally and within Floridaβ€”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

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale$77,345$87,813+14%
West Coast University-Miami$95,859$98,869+3%
Broward College$79,135$94,497+19%
Rasmussen University-Florida$74,861$82,469+10%
Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay$76,234$82,003+8%

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)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Keiser University-Ft LauderdaleFort Lauderdale$24,136$77,345$87,813$40,0000.52
West Coast University-MiamiDoral$23,691$95,859$98,869$38,1450.40
Valencia CollegeOrlando$2,474$93,751β€”$22,1580.24
Miami Dade CollegeMiami$2,838$90,158β€”$12,5000.14
Seminole State College of FloridaSanford$3,227$89,194β€”$22,1340.25
Pasco-Hernando State CollegeNew Port Richey$3,155$89,145β€”$22,0970.25
National Medianβ€”$74,888β€”$27,0000.36

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates

Nurse Anesthetists

Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Midwives

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Practitioners

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Registered Nurses

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Acute Care Nurses

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Critical Care Nurses

Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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.