Median Earnings (1yr)
$111,360
95th percentile (60th in NY)
Median Debt
$25,500
6% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.23
Manageable
Sample Size
594
Adequate data

Analysis

NYU's nursing program delivers exceptional earning power that places graduates in the top 5% nationally, with first-year salaries of $111,360—nearly 50% higher than the national median of $74,888. However, within New York's competitive nursing landscape, the program performs more modestly, ranking in the 60th percentile among state programs and trailing several CUNY and SUNY options that offer similar outcomes at likely lower tuition costs.

The debt picture is reasonable at $25,500, creating a highly manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 that's well below problematic levels. What's concerning is the negative earnings trajectory—salaries actually decline to $106,295 by year four, bucking the typical career progression pattern. This unusual trend warrants investigation, though graduates still maintain strong earning power throughout.

For families considering NYU's premium price tag (given the 9% admission rate and elite academic profile), this program offers solid financial returns but not necessarily superior value compared to high-performing public alternatives within New York. The strong starting salaries provide financial security, but parents should weigh whether the NYU brand premium justifies the likely higher total cost when several state schools produce graduates earning similar or higher salaries.

Where New York University Stands

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

New York UniversityOther registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How New York University graduates compare to all programs nationally

New York University graduates earn $111k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (61 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
New York University$111,360$106,295$25,5000.23
Helene Fuld College of Nursing$119,170$111,944——
CUNY Medgar Evers College$115,779$109,153$21,2130.18
CUNY York College$113,718$101,249$12,1250.11
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University$112,670$107,199$22,0230.20
College of Staten Island CUNY$110,335$103,603$17,1250.16
National Median$74,888—$27,0000.36

Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in New York

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Helene Fuld College of Nursing
New York
$24,648$119,170—
CUNY Medgar Evers College
Brooklyn
$7,352$115,779$21,213
CUNY York College
Jamaica
$7,358$113,718$12,125
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
Brooklyn
—$112,670$22,023
College of Staten Island CUNY
Staten Island
$7,490$110,335$17,125

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 New York University, approximately 19% 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 594 graduates with reported earnings and 562 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.