Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Morehead State University

Morehead State's nursing graduates start strong at nearly $70,000, but by year four their earnings drop to $58,000—a 17% decline that runs counter to typical career progression. While the program ranks solidly in the 60th percentile among Kentucky nursing programs and slightly above the national median, this earnings trajectory deserves scrutiny. The $30,000 in typical debt is manageable against first-year earnings (0.43 ratio), and it's well below both state and national averages, which helps offset concerns about the income pattern.

The decline could reflect graduates moving into different nursing specializations, shifting to part-time work, or pursuing additional education. It's worth noting that even at the four-year mark, earnings remain competitive with Kentucky's median for associate nursing programs ($64,845), just not as impressive as the initial placement suggests. Programs like University of Pikeville consistently deliver higher earnings, though comparing costs would be essential.

For families prioritizing immediate employment with manageable debt, this program delivers on both fronts. However, the downward earnings trend means you shouldn't count on significant income growth in the first few years post-graduation. If your child plans to work full-time and advance within nursing, investigate why earnings decline for this cohort—it could signal important differences in how graduates use their degree compared to other Kentucky nursing programs.