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

Midway University's nursing graduates face an unusual problem: their earnings actually drop 12% between year one and year four, sliding from $62,012 to $54,717. While the initial salary isn't terrible—sitting at Kentucky's median for associate-level nursing programs—this backward trajectory is concerning in a field where most nurses see steady wage growth as they gain experience and specialization opportunities.

The program ranks in the 40th percentile among Kentucky nursing programs, meaning more than half of comparable in-state options deliver better outcomes. Top performers like University of Pikeville ($76,570) and American National University-Pikeville ($75,979) produce graduates earning nearly $15,000 more annually. The $26,750 debt load is manageable at 43% of first-year income, but it looks less reasonable when you're still carrying that debt four years later with declining earnings.

For families considering this program, the key question is why graduates' salaries move in the wrong direction. This could signal limited career advancement, geographic constraints, or part-time employment patterns among alumni. At minimum, prospective students should understand they're choosing a below-average nursing program in a state with 30 options—including several that cost similar amounts but produce significantly better long-term results.