Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Nassau Community College

Nassau Community College's nursing program punches well above its weight nationally—graduates earn $81,214 right out of the gate, landing in the 94th percentile compared to associate nursing programs across the country. That's $13,000 more than the national median. However, context matters: within New York's competitive nursing market, this sits at the 60th percentile, trailing the top programs by $15,000-$20,000. Still, with debt of just $18,235—notably lower than both the state and national medians—the financial equation works strongly in graduates' favor. The 0.22 debt-to-earnings ratio means your child could potentially pay off loans in about three months of earnings.

The program shows solid momentum, with earnings climbing to nearly $96,000 by year four. This 18% growth trajectory suggests graduates aren't hitting a ceiling early. For families concerned about return on investment, the combination of low debt and strong starting pay makes this a safer bet than most nursing programs, even if it doesn't match the very top earners in the state. The moderate sample size adds some uncertainty, but the core numbers align well with what you'd expect from a community college serving a high-cost metro area.

The practical takeaway: this program delivers strong earning potential at a fraction of the debt burden typical for New York nursing schools, making it particularly attractive for families who need to minimize financial risk while entering a stable, well-paying profession.