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

Purdue University Northwest's nursing program delivers solid early career outcomes but shows a concerning earnings trajectory that should give parents pause. With first-year median earnings of $77,691, graduates earn about $6,000 more than the Indiana median and $3,000 above the national average. The program ranks in the 60th percentile within Indiana, placing it in the middle tier of the state's nursing programs—decent but not exceptional given that higher-performing options like Chamberlain University ($83,188) exist in-state.

The troubling aspect is the negative earnings growth: graduates actually earn less four years out ($75,243) than in their first year, representing a 3% decline when most careers show upward trajectory. This "early peak" pattern is unusual for nursing and suggests limited advancement opportunities for graduates. The debt picture is manageable at $24,552, creating a reasonable 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio, though this is still higher than 76% of similar programs nationally.

For parents, this program offers a reliable entry into nursing with immediate decent pay, but the stagnant career progression should factor into your decision. If your child is considering nursing, exploring higher-performing Indiana programs like Chamberlain or Purdue Global might provide better long-term earning potential, even if they cost more upfront.