Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Rogue Community College

Rogue Community College's nursing graduates command salaries that outpace 95% of associate nursing programs nationally, with first-year earnings hitting $90,235—roughly $22,000 above the national median and $6,500 above Oregon's state median. That's a remarkable showing for a community college serving a rural region where 43% of students qualify for Pell grants. The modest debt load of $20,950 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.23, meaning graduates earn back their entire educational investment in under three months of work.

The program does rank at the 60th percentile within Oregon, where nursing salaries run high across the board—even Oregon's median exceeds most states' top programs. Lane and Mt Hood Community Colleges edge slightly higher on starting salaries, but we're talking differences of just a few thousand dollars. More puzzling is the slight earnings dip to $86,425 by year four. This likely reflects Oregon's nursing market dynamics or regional employment patterns rather than program quality, and the absolute salary level remains strong.

For an anxious parent, this adds up to exceptional value: nationally competitive outcomes at community college tuition, with debt levels that won't constrain your child's early career choices. The strong first-year earnings create immediate financial security, and even with the modest decline, graduates are earning well above what most associate-degree holders make nationwide.