Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Old Dominion University

Old Dominion's nursing program delivers solid first-year outcomes at $76,527—landing above both state and national medians—but the complete stagnation in earnings growth raises questions about career trajectory. While new graduates earn slightly more than the typical Virginia nursing graduate, they see essentially zero wage growth over the next three years. Most nursing programs see meaningful salary progression as nurses gain experience and certifications; this flatline is unusual enough to warrant attention.

The financial fundamentals work, at least. With $26,000 in median debt (below both state and Virginia averages), graduates owe just 34 cents for every dollar earned in year one. That's manageable debt for a profession with stable employment. However, ranking in the 60th percentile among Virginia's 35 nursing programs means this sits firmly in the middle of the pack—not a standout program, but not struggling either. The state's top programs (Chamberlain at $83,188, Shenandoah at $81,678) show there's room for significantly higher earnings within Virginia.

For a moderately selective public university with reasonable tuition, this program offers a viable path to nursing without crushing debt. The lack of earnings progression deserves a conversation with career services about whether graduates are advancing into specialized roles or higher-paying settings. If your child is certain about nursing and values staying in-state at an accessible institution, this works—just don't expect the salary curve to climb much beyond that solid starting point.