Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Keuka College

Keuka College nursing graduates earn well above the national average but lag behind most New York nursing programs—a significant gap when you're paying nearly $13,000 more in debt than the state median. While first-year earnings of $86,649 beat 87% of nursing programs nationwide, that same figure places this program squarely in the middle of New York's competitive nursing landscape, where the median graduate earns $89,296 and top programs deliver $110,000+.

The financial picture gets trickier when you factor in the $40,141 debt load. Though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 remains manageable, you're borrowing 48% more than typical New York nursing graduates while earning less. For context, SUNY and CUNY nursing programs produce similar or better outcomes with half the debt burden. Earnings growth to $90,650 by year four is steady but modest—this isn't a program where graduates see dramatic salary jumps after gaining experience.

For families considering staying in New York and weighing cost versus convenience, this becomes a calculation about access. Keuka's 94% admission rate means your child can likely get in, while more competitive programs may be harder to crack. But if they can gain admission to a SUNY or CUNY nursing program, the $13,000 debt savings would buy considerable flexibility in their early career.