Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at National University

California's nursing market transforms what might look like heavy debt elsewhere into a manageable investment. At an estimated $27,000—higher than the state median of $15,625 for nursing associate programs—National University's debt load would be concerning in most fields, but similar programs across California consistently produce first-year earnings around $97,000, putting this debt burden at just 28% of annual income.

That ratio tells the essential story. Nursing graduates in California earn significantly more than the national median of $68,000, and the state's acute nursing shortage keeps demand high. While top performers like Unitek College and Yuba College report graduates earning $120,000 or more in their first year, even programs at the median deliver strong outcomes. For National University specifically, the question isn't whether nursing pays off—it almost certainly does in this market—but whether an associate degree from a private institution justifies carrying nearly twice the debt of comparable programs at public colleges in the state.

The practical calculation: National University's estimated debt could be paid down in less than a year with aggressive budgeting, or comfortably within 2-3 years on a standard repayment plan. If your child values the program's specific structure or flexibility over minimizing debt, this remains a solid investment. But if location isn't a constraint, California's community colleges offer the same credential with substantially less financial burden and access to the same high-paying market.