Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Laurel Ridge Community College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Laurel Ridge Community College nursing graduates start strong at nearly $70,000 but see earnings slip to $66,000 by year four—a pattern worth understanding if you're comparing Virginia nursing programs. While the initial salary lands solidly in the middle of the pack (60th percentile statewide), it trails top performers like Southside College and Northern Virginia Community College by $5,000-6,000 annually. That gap compounds over time, and the modest earnings dip suggests these graduates may face different career trajectory challenges than peers from other programs.
The financial picture has an upside: at $16,450, the debt burden runs about $3,500 below Virginia's typical nursing program, making this one of the more affordable paths to an RN license in the state. The low debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 means graduates can realistically pay off loans within a few years even if earnings plateau. For families prioritizing minimal borrowing, this represents genuine value.
The verdict depends on your priorities. If maximizing immediate earning potential matters most, programs like Northern Virginia Community College offer stronger outcomes for similar cost. But if you're drawn to Laurel Ridge for location or campus fit, the combination of below-average debt and decent starting salary makes it a financially viable choice—just understand you're likely trading some long-term earning potential for lower upfront costs.
Where Laurel Ridge Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates's programs nationally
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 Laurel Ridge Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Laurel Ridge Community College graduates earn $70k, placing them in the 58th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates 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 Virginia
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (31 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laurel Ridge Community College | $69,986 | $66,152 | $16,450 | 0.24 |
| Southside College of Health Sciences | $75,357 | $68,500 | $20,609 | 0.27 |
| Northern Virginia Community College | $72,905 | $68,298 | $21,000 | 0.29 |
| Fortis College-Norfolk | $71,678 | $71,314 | $36,678 | 0.51 |
| Fortis College-Richmond | $71,678 | $71,314 | $36,678 | 0.51 |
| ECPI University | $71,146 | $65,612 | $35,425 | 0.50 |
| National Median | $68,409 | — | $20,751 | 0.30 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southside College of Health Sciences Colonial Heights | — | $75,357 | $20,609 |
| Northern Virginia Community College Annandale | $5,703 | $72,905 | $21,000 |
| Fortis College-Norfolk Norfolk | $14,083 | $71,678 | $36,678 |
| Fortis College-Richmond Richmond | $14,986 | $71,678 | $36,678 |
| ECPI University Virginia Beach | $18,484 | $71,146 | $35,425 |
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 Laurel Ridge Community College, approximately 18% 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 51 graduates with reported earnings and 65 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.