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

Oakland University's nursing program delivers solid financial outcomes with some notable advantages, though it follows an unusual earnings pattern. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 and median debt of $29,430, graduates enter the workforce with manageable financial obligations—debt levels that sit in the 34th percentile nationally, meaning most comparable programs saddle students with more debt.

The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Michigan nursing programs, placing it slightly above the state median of $74,851. However, there's a concerning trend: earnings actually decline from $74,917 in year one to $68,205 by year four, representing a 9% drop. This "early peak" pattern is unusual for nursing and suggests graduates may be starting in higher-paying positions (possibly in hospitals or specialized units) but then transitioning to different roles or settings that pay less.

While the initial earning power is competitive and debt levels are reasonable, the negative earnings growth raises questions about long-term career trajectory. At $29,430 in debt, graduates can realistically manage loan payments on their starting salaries, but parents should understand that this program appears to optimize for immediate post-graduation income rather than sustained earnings growth. For families prioritizing quick entry into the workforce with manageable debt, this represents decent value, but don't expect significant salary increases in the first few years post-graduation.