Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Middlesex Community College
Associate's Degree
middlesex.mass.eduAnalysis
With nursing programs proliferating across Massachusetts, Middlesex Community College's associate degree stands out for delivering top-tier earnings with manageable debt. Graduates earn $75,351 in their first year—landing in the 79th percentile nationally and outperforming 60% of Massachusetts nursing programs despite fierce in-state competition. That places them within striking distance of pricier options like Regis College ($79,113), but with notably lower financial risk.
The numbers tell a compelling cost-benefit story: $15,988 in median debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.21, meaning graduates owe roughly 10 weeks of their first-year salary. This beats both the national median debt for nursing programs ($20,751) and positions graduates to reach financial stability quickly. For a community college program competing against 19 other Massachusetts options, these outcomes demonstrate strong hospital partnerships and clinical placement networks in the Boston metro area.
The moderate sample size suggests consistent rather than outlier results. For families weighing the community college pathway versus four-year nursing programs, Middlesex offers a straightforward value proposition: competitive Massachusetts nurse wages with minimal debt burden, letting graduates build savings or pursue advanced certifications rather than servicing loans.
Where Middlesex Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Middlesex Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Middlesex Community CollegeBedford | $6,048 | $75,351 | — | $15,988 | 0.21 |
 Regis CollegeWeston | $47,770 | $79,113 | $72,331 | $31,725 | 0.40 |
 Greenfield Community CollegeGreenfield | $5,810 | $75,914 | $71,842 | $15,625 | 0.21 |
 Springfield Technical Community CollegeSpringfield | $5,520 | $75,769 | $74,512 | $17,135 | 0.23 |
 Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of NursingMedford | $28,617 | $75,598 | $86,407 | $30,500 | 0.40 |
 Quinsigamond Community CollegeWorcester | $5,974 | $74,992 | $77,400 | $26,789 | 0.36 |
| National Median | — | $68,409 | — | $20,751 | 0.30 |
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 Middlesex Community College, approximately 19% 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 39 graduates with reported earnings and 97 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.