Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Rochester Community and Technical College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
With a starting salary of $70,020 and just $23,500 in debt, Rochester Community and Technical College's nursing program delivers strong value for Minnesota families. That 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly four months' salary—well below the debt burden at most state nursing programs, where the median is $27,655. The school ranks in the 60th percentile among Minnesota nursing programs for earnings, performing solidly above the state median of $66,484.
The earnings picture stays remarkably stable over time, with graduates earning virtually the same salary four years out as they do initially. While some might prefer upward trajectory, this consistency reflects the reality of nursing pay scales and job-hopping patterns in the field. The program ranks above national averages too (58th percentile), and the robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these figures reliable.
For parents evaluating nursing programs, this represents a straightforward value: get trained quickly, enter a stable career earning $70,000, and carry manageable debt. While top Minnesota programs like Minnesota West push closer to $75,000 in starting pay, Rochester's combination of solid earnings and lower-than-average debt makes it a financially prudent choice, particularly for families watching college costs carefully.
Where Rochester Community and Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates'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 Rochester Community and Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Rochester Community and Technical College graduates earn $70k, placing them in the 58th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates 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 Minnesota
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (24 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester Community and Technical College | $70,020 | $69,521 | $23,500 | 0.34 |
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College | $74,877 | $61,646 | $31,750 | 0.42 |
| Minnesota State College Southeast | $74,091 | $68,826 | $36,785 | 0.50 |
| Northwest Technical College | $72,778 | $64,354 | $31,053 | 0.43 |
| Riverland Community College | $69,481 | — | $25,000 | 0.36 |
| Rasmussen University-Minnesota | $68,119 | $67,872 | $30,500 | 0.45 |
| National Median | $68,409 | — | $20,751 | 0.30 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Minnesota
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College Granite Falls | $6,484 | $74,877 | $31,750 |
| Minnesota State College Southeast Winona | $7,820 | $74,091 | $36,785 |
| Northwest Technical College Bemidji | $6,246 | $72,778 | $31,053 |
| Riverland Community College Austin | $6,250 | $69,481 | $25,000 |
| Rasmussen University-Minnesota St. Cloud | $10,899 | $68,119 | $30,500 |
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 Rochester Community and Technical College, approximately 29% 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 107 graduates with reported earnings and 157 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.