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

Radford University's nursing program shows an unusual earnings pattern that warrants careful consideration. While graduates start with solid $69,662 salaries—comparable to the Virginia median—earnings actually decline to $62,098 by year four, representing an 11% drop when most careers should be advancing. This places the program in the 40th percentile among Virginia nursing programs, meaning 60% of in-state alternatives deliver better outcomes.

The debt picture offers some relief, with $26,000 in median borrowing falling below both state and national averages. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, meaning graduates can reasonably handle their loan payments even with the concerning earnings trajectory. However, when Virginia offers 35 nursing programs and several consistently produce graduates earning $80,000+, Radford's performance becomes harder to justify.

The declining earnings pattern is particularly puzzling in nursing, a field known for steady career progression and strong job security. While the debt load won't crush graduates financially, parents should question why they'd choose a program that ranks in just the 23rd percentile nationally when Virginia hosts multiple higher-performing alternatives. Given the state's competitive nursing education landscape, this program represents a missed opportunity rather than a sound investment.