Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Liberty University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Liberty University's nursing program sits in the bottom half of both national and Virginia rankings, which is concerning given nursing's typically strong job market. With first-year earnings of $71,918 that actually decline to $70,066 by year four, graduates earn about $5,000 less than the typical Virginia nursing graduate and $4,000 below the national median.
The debt picture isn't terrible at $27,457—right at the state median—but combined with below-average earnings, it creates a weaker return on investment than most nursing programs. More troubling is the negative earnings trajectory, suggesting Liberty graduates may struggle to advance professionally or secure higher-paying positions compared to peers from stronger programs. Top Virginia nursing programs like Chamberlain and Shenandoah produce graduates earning $10,000-12,000 more annually.
While nursing remains a stable career path with good job security, Liberty's program ranks in just the 40th percentile among Virginia schools despite the state's competitive nursing market. The 99% admission rate suggests less selectivity, which may contribute to weaker career outcomes. Parents should seriously consider stronger in-state alternatives that deliver better earning potential for similar debt levels.
Where Liberty University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors'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 Liberty University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Liberty University graduates earn $72k, placing them in the 34th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors 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 bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (35 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | $71,918 | $70,066 | $27,457 | 0.38 |
| Chamberlain University-Virginia | $83,188 | $81,995 | $39,146 | 0.47 |
| Shenandoah University | $81,678 | $70,543 | $29,749 | 0.36 |
| Strayer University-Virginia | $81,061 | — | $34,040 | 0.42 |
| Centra College | $80,832 | — | $15,185 | 0.19 |
| Marymount University | $80,090 | $78,648 | $29,166 | 0.36 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chamberlain University-Virginia Vienna | $20,462 | $83,188 | $39,146 |
| Shenandoah University Winchester | $36,028 | $81,678 | $29,749 |
| Strayer University-Virginia Arlington | $13,920 | $81,061 | $34,040 |
| Centra College Lynchburg | $12,263 | $80,832 | $15,185 |
| Marymount University Arlington | $39,050 | $80,090 | $29,166 |
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 Liberty University, approximately 39% 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 506 graduates with reported earnings and 445 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.