Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State's nursing program gets graduates earning quickly—$77,333 in the first year puts it solidly above both Colorado and national medians. But that early advantage doesn't hold: earnings slip to $70,699 by year four, placing this program in the middle of the pack statewide. The debt load of $30,119 is manageable though, translating to a favorable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio that beats most nursing programs nationally.

The earnings decline warrants attention. While many nurses see income growth as they gain experience, Metro State graduates appear to follow a different trajectory. This could reflect differences in practice settings (community health versus hospital systems), part-time versus full-time employment patterns, or the specific nursing roles graduates pursue. The 99% admission rate and accessible nature of the program serve a valuable mission—35% of students receive Pell grants—but graduates may not be landing the highest-paying specialty positions that drive earnings at Colorado Technical ($87,579) or Regis ($76,736).

For families prioritizing quick entry to the workforce with reasonable debt, this program delivers. Your child will likely secure nursing employment immediately after graduation at competitive starting pay, without crushing student loans. Just understand that Metro State isn't positioning graduates for the premium end of Colorado's nursing market, where earnings continue climbing past that first-year mark.