Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Linfield University
Bachelor's Degree
linfield.eduAnalysis
Linfield University's nursing program commands premium tuition but delivers exceptional starting salaries that justify the investment. Graduates earn $95,604 in their first year—significantly above the national median of $74,888 and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. While this places them around the 60th percentile within Oregon's competitive nursing market, they're still earning more than the state median of $94,291.
The $31,000 debt load translates to a healthy 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates dedicate roughly one-third of their first-year salary to student loans—well within manageable territory. This debt burden sits in the 24th percentile nationally, indicating most nursing programs saddle students with more debt for similar outcomes. However, earnings show a slight decline to $93,617 by year four, suggesting new graduates may start at premium positions that level off rather than grow substantially.
The numbers reveal a program that delivers immediate market value despite its higher costs. While Linfield's nursing graduates don't reach the peak earnings of Oregon's top programs like Bushnell University, they achieve strong financial outcomes with reasonable debt. For families willing to invest in a premium nursing education, Linfield provides solid returns from day one, though long-term earning growth appears limited.
Where Linfield University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Linfield University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linfield University | $95,604 | $93,617 | -2% |
| California State University-East Bay | $124,392 | $139,795 | +12% |
| University of Portland | $94,291 | $91,757 | -3% |
| Oregon Health & Science University | $92,371 | $89,905 | -3% |
| George Fox University | $89,201 | $87,458 | -2% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Linfield UniversityMcMinnville | $49,530 | $95,604 | $93,617 | $31,000 | 0.32 |
 Bushnell UniversityEugene | $34,740 | $102,985 | — | $28,704 | 0.28 |
 University of PortlandPortland | $54,900 | $94,291 | $91,757 | $28,750 | 0.30 |
 Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortland | — | $92,371 | $89,905 | $32,059 | 0.35 |
 George Fox UniversityNewberg | $40,940 | $89,201 | $87,458 | $29,000 | 0.33 |
| National Median | — | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
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 Linfield University, approximately 28% 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 431 graduates with reported earnings and 440 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.