Median Earnings (1yr)
$84,400
82nd percentile (60th in PA)
Median Debt
$27,000
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.32
Manageable
Sample Size
135
Adequate data

Analysis

La Salle's nursing program launches graduates into strong initial earnings of $84,400—well above both national and Pennsylvania medians—but growth after that first year tells a more cautious story. The program ranks in the 82nd percentile nationally yet falls to the 60th percentile within Pennsylvania, where competition among nursing schools is intense. While graduates earn more than the typical Pennsylvania nursing graduate initially, they trail programs like Villanova and Thomas Jefferson by several thousand dollars, and earnings growth plateaus at just 5% over four years.

The debt picture offers some reassurance: at $27,000, it sits right at the national median and slightly below Pennsylvania's typical nursing debt load. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, graduates can realistically manage their loans while building savings—a solid foundation for a healthcare career. The program's accessibility (86% admission rate, 33% Pell recipients) means it opens doors for students who might not gain admission to more selective options.

For families weighing this investment, La Salle delivers reliable entry to a stable profession with manageable debt, but don't expect the same salary trajectory as Pennsylvania's top nursing programs. If your student can get into Villanova or Immaculata, the higher starting salaries warrant serious consideration. If not, La Salle provides a practical path to nursing licensure without crushing debt—just understand you're paying for market access more than long-term earning potential.

Where La Salle University Stands

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

La Salle UniversityOther registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing programs

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 La Salle University graduates compare to all programs nationally

La Salle University graduates earn $84k, placing them in the 82th 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 Pennsylvania

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
La Salle University$84,400$88,296$27,0000.32
Immaculata University$87,624$91,952$35,5930.41
Villanova University$86,241$87,471$27,0000.31
Thomas Jefferson University$85,656$86,217$30,0000.35
Drexel University$85,441$84,218$30,7500.36
Eastern University$83,733$75,087$30,3110.36
National Median$74,888—$27,0000.36

Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Immaculata University
Immaculata
$28,550$87,624$35,593
Villanova University
Villanova
$64,701$86,241$27,000
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia
$45,683$85,656$30,000
Drexel University
Philadelphia
$60,663$85,441$30,750
Eastern University
Saint Davids
$37,420$83,733$30,311

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 La Salle University, approximately 33% 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 135 graduates with reported earnings and 149 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.