Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Minnesota State University Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead's nursing program produces solid starting salaries of $78,006—outperforming both the state median ($75,577) and the national average ($74,888). With just $30,359 in debt, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means graduates clear their educational investment in well under a year of work, which compares favorably to the national debt median of $27,000 when you factor in the above-average earnings.

However, earnings slip by about $1,700 between years one and four, dropping to $76,288. This isn't the dramatic decline you'd worry about in some fields, but it does suggest that Minnesota State Moorhead nurses may face different career trajectories than peers at top-performing Minnesota programs like Walden or Capella, where graduates earn $10,000+ more annually. The ranking at the 60th percentile within Minnesota means you're getting middle-of-the-pack outcomes for the state—respectable, but not exceptional.

For families seeking reliable employment and manageable debt, this program delivers. Your child will start earning immediately after graduation with debt they can realistically handle. Just understand that the salary trajectory differs from what you might expect in nursing, where earnings typically climb as nurses gain experience and specialization. The upfront value is strong; the long-term premium is modest.