Est. Earnings (1yr)
$78,428
Est. from PA median (41 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$28,813
Est. from PA median (33 programs)

Analysis

The nursing job market in Pennsylvania is strong, and comparable nursing programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $78,000—a solid starting point for new BSN graduates. King's College likely follows this pattern, though we're working with estimates here because their graduate sample was too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. The estimated debt of $28,800 falls right in line with other Pennsylvania nursing programs, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37.

What's worth noting is the gap between King's likely outcomes and Pennsylvania's top-performing nursing programs. Schools like Immaculata and Villanova report first-year earnings approaching $88,000—nearly $10,000 more than the state median. This spread matters over a nursing career. Whether King's delivers value closer to the state average or can compete with these higher earners depends on factors the current data can't tell us: clinical placement quality, regional employer relationships, and specialty preparation.

The practical bottom line: nursing degrees generally pay for themselves quickly, and the estimated numbers here suggest King's program wouldn't be an exception. But with 52 nursing programs in Pennsylvania and clear differences in graduate outcomes among them, you'll want to dig into King's specific clinical partnerships and job placement track record. The school's high admission rate and modest SAT averages don't predict nursing success—clinical skills matter more than test scores—but understanding where King's graduates actually work and earn would sharpen this picture considerably.

Where King's College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (52 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
King's CollegeWilkes-Barre$42,600$78,428*$28,813*
Immaculata UniversityImmaculata$28,550$87,624*$91,952$35,593*0.41
Villanova UniversityVillanova$64,701$86,241*$87,471$27,000*0.31
Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphia$45,683$85,656*$86,217$30,000*0.35
Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia$60,663$85,441*$84,218$30,750*0.36
La Salle UniversityPhiladelphia$35,570$84,400*$88,296$27,000*0.32
National Median$74,888*$27,000*0.36
* Estimated from similar programs

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 King's College, approximately 27% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 41 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.