Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at North Park University

North Park's nursing program delivers solid fundamentals—graduates earn $73,846 in their first year with a manageable debt load of $27,000, putting them ahead of 60% of Illinois nursing programs. That's a meaningful distinction in a competitive state market with 41 nursing schools, especially since the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 means most graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under five months of gross earnings. The program serves a substantial Pell-eligible population (43%) while maintaining outcomes that beat the state median by roughly $700.

The limitation here is modest growth: earnings inch up just 4% to $76,478 by year four, while top Illinois programs like Chamberlain ($83,188) and Governors State ($80,391) show stronger immediate placement outcomes. North Park graduates aren't falling behind—they're holding steady in a field with strong baseline demand—but they're not catching up to higher-tier programs either. The program sits exactly at the national median for debt, so you're not getting a bargain, but you're not overpaying either.

For families evaluating North Park, the question is whether mid-tier placement justifies the cost when stronger Illinois alternatives exist nearby. The manageable debt and above-average state ranking make this a viable path into nursing, but students aiming for higher-paying specialties or hospital systems might benefit from comparing outcomes at the top five Illinois programs listed above.