Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago's nursing program delivers solid but unremarkable returns, with graduates earning $76,869 in their first year—about $2,000 above the national median but only modestly ahead of the Illinois average. At the 60th percentile among Illinois nursing programs, it's a middle-of-the-pack performer in a competitive state market, trailing several other Catholic universities like Saint Xavier and Lewis that offer stronger earning potential.

The debt picture is reasonable with $27,000 in median student debt, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35. However, the lack of meaningful salary growth (just 1% from year one to year four) suggests this program may be better suited for students prioritizing job security over income advancement. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these figures.

While Loyola's nursing program won't burden your child with excessive debt, it also won't provide a significant earnings advantage over less expensive in-state alternatives. Given that several Illinois nursing programs deliver $3,000-6,000 higher starting salaries, families should carefully weigh whether Loyola's brand and campus experience justify the premium when more lucrative nursing programs are available within the state.