Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Moravian University
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Moravian University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Moravian University graduates earn $83k, placing them in the 78th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moravian University | $82,585 | $73,587 | $27,000 | 0.33 |
| Immaculata University | $87,624 | $91,952 | $35,593 | 0.41 |
| Villanova University | $86,241 | $87,471 | $27,000 | 0.31 |
| Thomas Jefferson University | $85,656 | $86,217 | $30,000 | 0.35 |
| Drexel University | $85,441 | $84,218 | $30,750 | 0.36 |
| La Salle University | $84,400 | $88,296 | $27,000 | 0.32 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immaculata University Immaculata | $28,550 | $87,624 | $35,593 |
| Villanova University Villanova | $64,701 | $86,241 | $27,000 |
| Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia | $45,683 | $85,656 | $30,000 |
| Drexel University Philadelphia | $60,663 | $85,441 | $30,750 |
| La Salle University Philadelphia | $35,570 | $84,400 | $27,000 |
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.