Median Earnings (1yr)
$75,641
53rd percentile
40th percentile in Maryland
Est. Median Debt
$23,378
Est. from MD median (7 programs)

Analysis

Morgan State's nursing graduates earn $75,641 in their first yearβ€”just above the national median but trailing most Maryland programs. With estimated debt around $23,378 based on comparable programs at the school, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 suggests a manageable financial start, though this figure carries uncertainty since Morgan State's actual debt outcomes for nursing graduates aren't publicly reported.

The earnings trajectory tells a more positive story. Four years out, graduates reach $97,259, a 29% jump that reflects nursing's strong career progression. Still, this program ranks in the 40th percentile among Maryland nursing schools, falling short of state powerhouses like UMD Global Campus ($92,323 first-year) and public alternatives like Towson ($80,344). For a profession with relatively standardized licensing requirements, these gaps matterβ€”nurses with identical credentials often compete for the same positions, where starting salary differences compound over time.

The real question is value relative to alternatives. Morgan State serves a majority Pell-eligible student body and maintains high accessibility, which may justify somewhat lower earnings if the estimated debt burden proves accurate. But without confirmed debt data specific to this program, parents should verify actual borrowing patterns with the school directly. If your student can access one of Maryland's higher-earning nursing programs, particularly public options that may offer similar affordability, the earnings difference could mean $20,000-$30,000 more over the first few years of their career.

Where Morgan State University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Morgan State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Morgan State University$75,641$97,259+29%
Notre Dame of Maryland University$83,354$82,904-1%
Frostburg State University$82,617$82,068-1%
University of Maryland Global Campus$92,323$81,793-11%
Coppin State University$76,661$80,803+5%

Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (13 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Morgan State UniversityBaltimore$8,118$75,641$97,259$23,378*β€”
University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi$7,992$92,323$81,793$19,084*0.21
Washington Adventist UniversityTakoma Park$25,200$85,352β€”$47,033*0.55
Notre Dame of Maryland UniversityBaltimore$41,910$83,354$82,904$26,000*0.31
Frostburg State UniversityFrostburg$9,998$82,617$82,068$22,750*0.28
Towson UniversityTowson$11,306$80,344$74,833$23,378*0.29
National Medianβ€”$74,888β€”$27,000*0.36
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Morgan State University, approximately 54% 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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 16 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.