Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Lane Community College

Lane Community College's nursing graduates start strong with $89,567 in first-year earnings—beating the national median by more than $20,000 and placing in the 95th percentile nationally. However, context matters: among Oregon's 17 nursing programs, this lands solidly in the middle pack at the 60th percentile. Rogue and Mt Hood community colleges produce slightly higher earners, though Lane still outperforms most competitors and keeps debt reasonable at $23,165 (matching the state median).

The significant caveat is the earnings trajectory. By year four, median income drops to $81,491—a 9% decline that's unusual for nursing, where earnings typically rise with experience. This could reflect graduates moving to lower-paid specialties, relocating to lower-cost areas, or shifting to part-time work, but it's worth understanding why. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 remains manageable even with this decline, meaning graduates should comfortably handle loan payments.

For Oregon families, Lane delivers solid value: lower tuition than most four-year options, strong initial placement, and earnings well above the national norm. The earnings dip doesn't erase the program's advantages—first-year income alone suggests graduates find good positions quickly. Just recognize you're looking at middle-tier performance within a high-performing state, not the absolute top option regionally.