Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Lees-McRae College

Lees-McRae's nursing graduates start at nearly $70,000—respectable for North Carolina but below what you'd see at most competing programs in the state. The program lands at the 40th percentile among NC nursing schools, trailing not just Duke but also public options like NC Central and several other private institutions by $3,000-$13,000 annually. Against national benchmarks, the gap widens further, placing graduates in just the 23rd percentile.

The debt picture adds another layer of concern. At $23,125, the amount itself is manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33, but this figure sits in the 80th percentile nationally—meaning most comparable nursing programs saddle students with less debt for better outcomes. When graduates at Chamberlain-North Carolina or University of Mount Olive earn $11,000-$13,000 more right out of the gate with similar debt levels, the value equation tilts against Lees-McRae.

With only 5% earnings growth over four years, graduates aren't making up ground through experience. For families weighing this program against North Carolina's many nursing options, the combination of below-median starting salaries and above-average debt creates an uphill financial climb. Unless your child has compelling reasons to attend this specific institution—location, campus culture, or a substantial financial aid package—other NC nursing programs offer better returns on investment.