Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Mount Aloysius College

Mount Aloysius graduates start strong at $67,241—matching Pennsylvania's median for nursing programs—but something unusual happens over the next three years. By year four, earnings drop to $64,171, a 5% decline when most nursing careers see steady growth. This backward trajectory is worth understanding: it could signal graduates moving from high-paying hospital roles to lower-stress positions, geographic relocation, or part-time work. Whatever the cause, it's a pattern that deserves conversation with the school's career services office.

The financial fundamentals are actually solid. At $26,500 in debt, graduates owe just 39 cents for every dollar earned in that first year—well below concerning thresholds. The debt load sits near the 26th percentile nationally, meaning three-quarters of nursing programs leave students with more debt. And while Mount Aloysius sits at the state median, Pennsylvania's community colleges do demonstrate that higher earnings are achievable: Montgomery County Community College grads earn $78,511, about $11,000 more annually.

For families seeking an affordable entry into nursing with manageable debt, Mount Aloysius delivers on that front. The earnings decline, though, suggests this may not be the launching pad for the highest-paying nursing career paths. If your child prioritizes maximizing income potential, the top-performing Pennsylvania programs offer a meaningful earnings premium worth comparing against any cost differences.