Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Modesto Junior College

Modesto Junior College's nursing graduates start at nearly $100,000 annually with just over $11,000 in debt—a ratio that would take little more than a month's salary to clear. That's extraordinary value, though the state context tells a more nuanced story.

While these graduates outperform 95% of nursing programs nationally, they land at the 60th percentile within California, where nursing salaries are consistently higher due to cost of living and strong healthcare unions. The school sits comfortably in the middle tier of California programs—earning about $2,000 more than the state median but well below top performers like Unitek College ($120,000) or nearby Yuba College ($117,000). The debt picture, however, stands out: at $11,279, it's $4,300 below California's median and dramatically lower than the national average of $20,751.

For families weighing options, this program offers immediate financial stability with minimal risk. Starting near six figures while carrying debt equivalent to 11% of first-year earnings means your child can build savings and security quickly, even if they're not at the absolute top of California's earning spectrum. The modest earnings growth (+3% over four years) is typical for nursing, where most compensation gains come from shift differentials and specialization choices rather than time in field. This is a safe, financially sound choice that won't leave your family second-guessing the investment.