Median Earnings (1yr)
$82,585
78th percentile
60th percentile in Pennsylvania
Median Debt
$27,000
At national median

Analysis

Moravian nursing graduates start strong—earning $82,585 in their first year, about 10% above the state median for Pennsylvania nursing programs—but that advantage doesn't hold. By year four, earnings drop to $73,587, sliding below both the state and national averages. This backward trajectory is unusual in nursing, where most graduates see steady income growth as they gain experience and move into specialized roles.

The $27,000 debt load is exactly at the national median for nursing programs, and the resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 is manageable in that critical first year. However, the declining earnings pattern means graduates may feel more financial pressure over time rather than less. Within Pennsylvania, this program sits solidly mid-pack—60th percentile—with several schools in the greater Philadelphia area consistently producing stronger outcomes. The difference between Moravian's four-year earnings and top programs like Immaculata or Villanova amounts to roughly $14,000 annually.

For families evaluating nursing options in Pennsylvania, Moravian offers an acceptable entry point into the profession with reasonable debt, but the earnings decline raises questions about post-graduation pathways. If your child is considering this program, investigate where recent graduates are working and whether the school's clinical partnerships position students for higher-paying specialties or hospital systems that offer better long-term earning potential.

Where Moravian University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Moravian University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Moravian University$82,585$73,587-11%
University of Scranton$82,895$97,897+18%
University of Pennsylvania$80,943$96,143+19%
Immaculata University$87,624$91,952+5%
La Salle University$84,400$88,296+5%

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (52 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Moravian UniversityBethlehem$52,000$82,585$73,587$27,0000.33
Immaculata UniversityImmaculata$28,550$87,624$91,952$35,5930.41
Villanova UniversityVillanova$64,701$86,241$87,471$27,0000.31
Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphia$45,683$85,656$86,217$30,0000.35
Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia$60,663$85,441$84,218$30,7500.36
La Salle UniversityPhiladelphia$35,570$84,400$88,296$27,0000.32
National Median$74,888$27,0000.36

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates

Nurse Anesthetists

Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Midwives

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Practitioners

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Registered Nurses

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Acute Care Nurses

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Critical Care Nurses

Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Moravian University, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 159 graduates with reported earnings and 185 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.