Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Laramie County Community College

Laramie County Community College's nursing graduates start strong at nearly $73,000—outearning 70% of associate nursing programs nationwide. That first-year salary translates to solid financial footing: with just $20,000 in debt, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in about three months of earnings. For Wyoming families, this represents slightly above-median earnings among the state's seven nursing programs, though it trails Northern Wyoming's graduates by about $1,000 annually.

The complication emerges in the earnings trajectory. By year four, salaries drop to roughly $69,000—a 5% decline that's unusual for nursing, where experience typically commands higher pay. This could reflect graduates moving to part-time work, relocating to lower-cost areas, or stepping into roles with different compensation structures. The debt remains manageable throughout, but parents should understand they're paying for a strong launch rather than accelerating career growth.

For a Wyoming student planning to work in-state where nursing jobs are plentiful and living costs reasonable, this program offers solid ROI despite the earnings dip. The low debt burden provides flexibility if life circumstances change. Just don't expect year one's paycheck to keep climbing automatically.