Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Renton Technical College

Renton Technical College's nursing program puts graduates squarely in the middle of Washington's competitive community college nursing landscape. While first-year earnings of $80,411 trail the state's top performers by about $4,000, they still exceed the national median by $12,000—placing this program in the 92nd percentile nationally. The debt load of $18,582 is manageable, resulting in a 0.23 debt-to-earnings ratio that represents roughly three months of salary.

What's notable here is how the program performs relative to its Washington peers. At the 60th percentile statewide, it sits in the middle of the pack—a reasonable outcome when you consider that Washington's nursing market is exceptionally strong overall, lifting even median programs well above national averages. The modest 6% earnings growth to $85,561 by year four suggests graduates reach competitive wages quickly but don't see dramatic increases, which is fairly typical for associate-level nursing positions.

For families weighing this investment, the math is straightforward: low debt, strong starting salary, and immediate employability. You're not getting the absolute top outcomes available in Washington's community college system, but you're getting reliable entry into a high-demand field without the financial stress that often accompanies career training. If your student can secure admission to one of the higher-earning programs nearby, that might be worth exploring, but Renton Technical College remains a solid, lower-risk path to nursing credentials.