Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Provo College

Provo College's nursing program ranks dead last among Utah's 15 nursing schools for graduate earnings—a significant disadvantage in a state where nursing graduates typically start around $66,420. While the program's median salary of $63,317 places it at the 40th percentile statewide (slightly below middle-of-the-pack), that same figure ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally. The gap widens when you look at debt: at $51,285, Provo College graduates carry more than double the state median of $22,383 and nearly double the national median of $27,000.

The 0.81 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly 81% of their first year's salary—manageable in absolute terms, but troubling given that peers at Western Governors or Arizona College of Nursing earn $20,000+ more annually with comparable or lower debt loads. For a profession known for solid starting salaries, Provo College's outcomes lag considerably. The program serves a primarily working-class population (57% receive Pell grants), but that doesn't explain why graduates earn less than peers from other Utah programs serving similar students.

If your child is set on nursing in Utah, compare job offers carefully. The nearly $7,000 salary gap versus other in-state options adds up to over $35,000 across five years—enough to substantially change the debt repayment timeline. Unless there's a compelling reason like location or schedule flexibility, other Utah nursing programs offer demonstrably better returns.