Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Rock Valley College

Rock Valley College's nursing program positions graduates squarely in the middle of the pack nationally but performs notably better within Illinois—hitting the 60th percentile among the state's 48 nursing programs. With $68,229 in first-year earnings and just $15,750 in debt, graduates face a manageable debt burden of about three months' salary. That's a more favorable starting point than the typical Illinois nursing graduate, who carries $14,500 in debt but earns slightly less at $66,360.

The challenge here is stagnant growth: earnings barely budge over four years, creeping up just $1,000 while top Illinois programs like Ambria and Moraine Valley see their graduates earning $7,000+ more by year four. This suggests Rock Valley's program gets you employed quickly but may not open doors to the higher-paying specialties or advancement tracks that drive long-term earnings in nursing.

For families prioritizing quick entry into the workforce with minimal debt, this program delivers on both counts. But if your child is ambitious about climbing the nursing career ladder—moving into management, specialized units, or advanced practice roles—they may need to pursue additional credentials or seek opportunities beyond what this program's typical graduate trajectory suggests.