Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Rochester Community and Technical College

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.