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

Misericordia's nursing graduates start strong—earning above both national and Pennsylvania medians right out of the gate—but something unusual happens afterward. By year four, median earnings drop to $67,569, a 14% decline that runs counter to typical nursing career progression. This backward slide is worth investigating: it could reflect graduates moving into lower-paying specialties, shifting to part-time work, or leaving the profession entirely.

The $27,000 debt load is manageable relative to that initial $78,428 salary, putting this program squarely at median levels both nationally and within Pennsylvania. You're not getting a bargain compared to other PA nursing programs—schools like Immaculata and Villanova place graduates into jobs paying $8,000-9,000 more annually—but you're also not overpaying. At the 60th percentile statewide, Misericordia sits comfortably in the middle of Pennsylvania's 52 nursing programs.

The earnings trajectory is the real puzzle here. While the debt is reasonable and starting salaries competitive, parents should ask pointed questions about why graduate earnings decline rather than grow. If your child plans to pursue advanced practice roles or specialized nursing paths, understanding whether Misericordia's program positions students for those opportunities—or whether it primarily feeds into roles with limited advancement—matters considerably. The solid starting point makes this program workable financially, but the backward earnings trend deserves a clear explanation before committing.