Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Linfield University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
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
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 Linfield University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Linfield University graduates earn $96k, placing them in the 95th 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 Oregon
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linfield University | $95,604 | $93,617 | $31,000 | 0.32 |
| Bushnell University | $102,985 | — | $28,704 | 0.28 |
| University of Portland | $94,291 | $91,757 | $28,750 | 0.30 |
| Oregon Health & Science University | $92,371 | $89,905 | $32,059 | 0.35 |
| George Fox University | $89,201 | $87,458 | $29,000 | 0.33 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Oregon
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oregon schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bushnell University Eugene | $34,740 | $102,985 | $28,704 |
| University of Portland Portland | $54,900 | $94,291 | $28,750 |
| Oregon Health & Science University Portland | — | $92,371 | $32,059 |
| George Fox University Newberg | $40,940 | $89,201 | $29,000 |
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.