Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Purdue University-Main Campus

Purdue's nursing program shows an unusual earnings trajectory that demands attention: graduates start at $71,759—slightly below both national and state medians—then see their earnings drop 6% by year four. This backward slide is uncommon in nursing, where most programs show steady gains as nurses build experience and advance their careers. Among Indiana's 30 nursing programs, Purdue ranks near the middle, trailing competitors like Chamberlain University ($83,188) and even sister campus Purdue Northwest ($77,691) by significant margins.

The positive news is debt: at $20,455, graduates owe about $6,500 less than the typical Indiana nursing grad, creating a manageable 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio. That lighter debt load matters when earnings plateau or decline. Still, you'd expect Purdue's selectivity (SAT: 1342) and reputation to translate into stronger career outcomes. The fact that it doesn't—that graduates earn less than peers from less selective programs—raises questions about whether this particular nursing program leverages the university's broader strengths.

The bottom line: This program won't saddle your child with crushing debt, but it's underperforming both its peer institutions and what you'd reasonably expect from the Purdue name. If nursing is the goal and Indiana is home, examine why other state programs are achieving better results for their graduates before committing.