Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Reading Hospital's nursing program positions graduates to earn over $71,000 in their first year—beating Pennsylvania's median by nearly $7,000 and ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. The $27,140 in median debt translates to just 38 cents owed for every dollar earned, making this one of the more affordable paths into nursing in Pennsylvania. While top programs like UPenn generate higher earnings, they typically come with significantly steeper price tags.
The earnings trajectory here is modest but stable, growing to about $75,000 by year four. That 4% increase suggests graduates quickly reach competitive nursing wages rather than seeing dramatic career advancement, which is fairly typical for diploma nursing programs where the credential gets you working immediately. The selective 20% admission rate indicates Reading Hospital takes training seriously, and the moderate sample size gives reasonable confidence in these outcomes.
For families seeking an affordable entry into nursing, this program delivers strong value. Your child graduates with below-average debt while earning above Pennsylvania's median for nursing—a solid foundation for a healthcare career without the financial burden that can come from costlier options.
Where Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences graduates compare to all programs nationally
Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences graduates earn $72k, placing them in the 75th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing certificate's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (20 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences | $71,638 | $74,644 | $27,140 | 0.38 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $160,797 | $160,445 | $19,875 | 0.12 |
| Roxborough Memorial Hospital School of Nursing | $81,336 | — | $20,000 | 0.25 |
| St Lukes Hospital School of Nursing | $79,203 | $71,131 | $24,087 | 0.30 |
| Joseph F McCloskey School of Nursing | $74,192 | — | $28,250 | 0.38 |
| Washington Health System School of Nursing | $66,293 | — | $20,250 | 0.31 |
| National Median | $66,398 | — | $23,562 | 0.35 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia | $66,104 | $160,797 | $19,875 |
| Roxborough Memorial Hospital School of Nursing Philadelphia | — | $81,336 | $20,000 |
| St Lukes Hospital School of Nursing Bethlehem | — | $79,203 | $24,087 |
| Joseph F McCloskey School of Nursing Pottsville | — | $74,192 | $28,250 |
| Washington Health System School of Nursing Washington | — | $66,293 | $20,250 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences, approximately 38% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 54 graduates with reported earnings and 152 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.