Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Minnesota West graduates start strong with nearly $75,000 in first-year earnings—about $8,000 above the state median and ranking in the 60th percentile among Minnesota nursing programs. The $31,750 debt load is higher than typical for this field, but at just 0.42 times first-year earnings, it's manageable given those initial salaries. However, the concerning pattern here is what happens next: earnings drop 18% by year four to about $62,000, suggesting graduates may be taking lower-paying positions or reducing hours as their careers progress.

This earnings decline is unusual for nursing, where salaries typically grow steadily. It could reflect local workforce dynamics in rural Minnesota or graduates moving into different practice settings. The debt is still reasonable in context—you're paying about 30% above the national median but well below what Minnesota's pricier programs charge. The first-year salary alone puts graduates in a solid position to manage repayment.

For families considering this program, the value depends on staying power in those higher-paying initial positions. If your child can maintain first-year earning levels, this represents a sound investment with debt they can handle. If the typical graduate's trajectory applies, they'll still earn more than most Minnesota nursing associates initially, but that advantage narrows quickly.