Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Quincy University

Quincy University's nursing program sits in an unusual position: first-year earnings appear strong at an estimated $73,000, yet by year four, graduates earn less at $66,000. This backward trajectory suggests either a challenging local job market in the Quincy area or graduates struggling to advance beyond entry-level positions. Based on comparable programs across Illinois, the estimated $27,000 in debt yields a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio—you'd expect about 37 cents of debt for every dollar earned in that first year, which is reasonable for healthcare preparation.

The real question is why earnings seem to decline rather than grow. Top nursing programs in Illinois like Chamberlain ($83,000) and Governors State ($80,000) show their graduates earning significantly more even in early career stages, suggesting either stronger employment networks or better-prepared graduates. Quincy's more selective admission (50% acceptance rate versus open enrollment at some competitors) doesn't translate to standout outcomes in this estimated comparison.

For parents, this means weighing geographic constraints carefully. If your child plans to work in smaller Illinois communities where Quincy has local connections, the debt load is workable. But if career advancement and earning potential matter most, the estimated figures suggest this program may not position graduates as competitively as alternatives in Chicago or other Illinois metro areas. The declining earnings pattern, even in estimation, deserves scrutiny during campus visits.