Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Methodist University

Methodist University's nursing program starts graduates at $70,746—solidly middle-of-the-pack for North Carolina nursing programs (40th percentile statewide) but below both the national and state medians. More concerning is the unusual earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn less four years out ($67,630) than they do right after graduation. While nursing salaries typically flatten compared to other fields, an outright decline is rare and suggests graduates may be struggling to advance into higher-paying roles or specialties.

The $27,000 debt load is manageable at 38% of first-year earnings, matching both national and state medians exactly. This means you're paying average debt for below-average outcomes—graduates at comparable NC schools like NC Central ($76,142) and even regional options like University of Mount Olive ($81,493) are earning $8,500-$10,700 more annually with similar debt burdens.

For a nursing degree that should provide stable career progression, Methodist's pattern of declining earnings is the critical concern. Unless there are specific program features or clinical partnerships that appeal to your family, North Carolina offers stronger nursing programs at similar or lower costs. The reliable employment and reasonable debt here prevent this from being a poor choice, but it's far from the best value in the state for aspiring nurses.