Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Mount Marty University

Mount Marty's nursing graduates start strong at $66,183 but see their earnings drop to $59,711 within four years—a 10% decline that's unusual in nursing, where income typically rises with experience. While the program ranks in the 40th percentile among South Dakota's seven nursing programs, it falls to just the 5th percentile nationally. Even within the state, it trails nearby alternatives: Augustana and South Dakota State graduates earn $12,000-$13,000 more by year four, which compounds significantly over a nursing career.

The $27,000 debt load equals the national median for nursing programs, keeping monthly payments manageable. However, the erosion in earning power raises questions about whether graduates are staying in nursing or finding themselves in lower-paid positions as they gain experience. This backward trajectory is the core concern—most nursing careers build momentum over time, not lose it.

For families weighing in-state options, the numbers suggest looking harder at the other South Dakota programs. The debt is reasonable, but the combination of below-median starting pay and declining earnings creates a shakier foundation than what neighboring schools deliver, even with similar or slightly higher debt levels.