Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global's nursing program generates strong earning potential but comes with significantly higher debt than typical nursing programs. Graduates earn $78,468 in their first year—above both national and Indiana medians—and see solid 10% growth to $86,084 by year four. Among Indiana's 30 nursing programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, placing it in the middle-to-upper tier of state options.

The major concern here is debt. At $42,396, graduates carry 57% more debt than the typical nursing student nationally and in Indiana, where the median is just $27,000. This pushes Purdue Global into the 95th percentile nationally for debt levels. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 remains manageable compared to many other fields, nursing students elsewhere typically graduate with much lighter financial burdens.

For families prioritizing flexibility and online learning, this program delivers solid career outcomes, but the premium in debt is substantial. Students who can access more affordable in-state options like Purdue Northwest ($77,691 earnings, likely lower debt) or Indiana University-Kokomo may achieve similar career prospects with less financial stress. The earnings are respectable, but the debt load makes this a more expensive path into nursing than necessary.