Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at La Salle University
Bachelor's Degree
lasalle.eduAnalysis
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
Earnings Distribution
How La Salle University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Salle University | $84,400 | $88,296 | +5% |
| University of Scranton | $82,895 | $97,897 | +18% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $80,943 | $96,143 | +19% |
| Immaculata University | $87,624 | $91,952 | +5% |
| Villanova University | $86,241 | $87,471 | +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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,570 | $84,400 | $88,296 | $27,000 | 0.32 | |
| $28,550 | $87,624 | $91,952 | $35,593 | 0.41 | |
| $64,701 | $86,241 | $87,471 | $27,000 | 0.31 | |
| $45,683 | $85,656 | $86,217 | $30,000 | 0.35 | |
| $60,663 | $85,441 | $84,218 | $30,750 | 0.36 | |
| $37,420 | $83,733 | $75,087 | $30,311 | 0.36 | |
| National Median | — | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
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.