Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Lawrence Memorial Hospital's nursing program charges more than most Massachusetts nursing schools—$30,500 in median debt versus the state median of $18,388—but graduates still come out ahead financially. Starting at $75,598, they earn slightly above the state median and outpace 80% of nursing programs nationally. By year four, earnings reach $86,407, representing solid 14% growth that justifies the investment.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 means graduates owe roughly five months of their first-year salary—manageable for a healthcare field with stable employment prospects. While several Massachusetts community colleges produce similar starting salaries with half the debt, this hospital-affiliated program's outcomes suggest hands-on clinical training that translates to competitive wages. Among Massachusetts nursing programs, it lands squarely in the middle tier (60th percentile), performing comparably to programs at Middlesex and Springfield Technical.
The premium price is offset by strong absolute earnings and the program's accessibility—nearly half of students receive Pell grants. If your child can keep borrowing close to this median and values the hospital training environment, the numbers work. But families concerned about debt should definitely compare with lower-cost community college options that reach similar salary outcomes.
Where Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing 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 Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing graduates compare to all programs nationally
Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing graduates earn $76k, placing them in the 80th 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 Massachusetts
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (20 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing | $75,598 | $86,407 | $30,500 | 0.40 |
| Regis College | $79,113 | $72,331 | $31,725 | 0.40 |
| Greenfield Community College | $75,914 | $71,842 | $15,625 | 0.21 |
| Springfield Technical Community College | $75,769 | $74,512 | $17,135 | 0.23 |
| Middlesex Community College | $75,351 | — | $15,988 | 0.21 |
| Quinsigamond Community College | $74,992 | $77,400 | $26,789 | 0.36 |
| National Median | $68,409 | — | $20,751 | 0.30 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regis College Weston | $47,770 | $79,113 | $31,725 |
| Greenfield Community College Greenfield | $5,810 | $75,914 | $15,625 |
| Springfield Technical Community College Springfield | $5,520 | $75,769 | $17,135 |
| Middlesex Community College Bedford | $6,048 | $75,351 | $15,988 |
| Quinsigamond Community College Worcester | $5,974 | $74,992 | $26,789 |
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 Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, approximately 48% 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 74 graduates with reported earnings and 181 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.