Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Northeastern University Professional Programs
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Northeastern's nursing program positions graduates near the middle of the pack in Massachusetts—a concerning reality given the program's premium price tag and reputation. While first-year earnings of $78,713 beat the national average by about $4,000, they fall short of the state median and rank in just the 40th percentile among Massachusetts nursing programs. Several in-state competitors, including Framingham State and Laboure College, produce graduates earning $15,000+ more annually.
The debt picture offers some relief, with $31,000 representing a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 and performing better than most programs nationally. However, earnings barely budge over four years—growing just 1%—suggesting limited advancement potential compared to other healthcare fields where experience typically drives substantial salary increases.
For families paying Northeastern's tuition premium (evident from the low 4% Pell grant rate), the return on investment appears questionable. Your child would likely achieve better financial outcomes at several other Massachusetts nursing programs while incurring similar or lower debt. Unless Northeastern offers specific networking advantages or program features that justify the cost, families should seriously consider the state's higher-performing alternatives that deliver stronger earning potential from day one.
Where Northeastern University Professional Programs Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
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 Northeastern University Professional Programs graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northeastern University Professional Programs graduates earn $79k, placing them in the 66th 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 Massachusetts
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (25 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Professional Programs | $78,713 | $79,142 | $31,000 | 0.39 |
| Framingham State University | $95,426 | — | $23,000 | 0.24 |
| Laboure College of Healthcare | $86,071 | $82,802 | $38,750 | 0.45 |
| Simmons University | $85,096 | $79,398 | $27,916 | 0.33 |
| College of Our Lady of the Elms | $83,775 | $84,149 | $27,000 | 0.32 |
| MGH Institute of Health Professions | $81,868 | $80,654 | $32,000 | 0.39 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Framingham State University Framingham | $11,630 | $95,426 | $23,000 |
| Laboure College of Healthcare Milton | $33,663 | $86,071 | $38,750 |
| Simmons University Boston | $45,538 | $85,096 | $27,916 |
| College of Our Lady of the Elms Chicopee | $42,061 | $83,775 | $27,000 |
| MGH Institute of Health Professions Boston | — | $81,868 | $32,000 |
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 Northeastern University Professional Programs, approximately 4% 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 466 graduates with reported earnings and 456 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.