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

Roxbury Community College's nursing program graduates enter the workforce earning $71,794—slightly below the Massachusetts median but still above national averages, ranking in the 66th percentile nationally. More importantly, graduates carry just $14,250 in debt, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 that's substantially better than both state and national norms. For families particularly concerned about debt burden—a relevant consideration given that 60% of students here receive Pell grants—this program offers one of the more affordable paths to nursing licensure in Massachusetts.

The 40th percentile state ranking deserves context: Massachusetts nursing programs cluster tightly at the top of national pay scales, so landing in the middle of the pack still means strong earning potential. Graduates see steady income growth, reaching nearly $84,000 by year four. The trade-off is clear: you're not accessing the very highest starting salaries available at schools like Regis or Greenfield, but you're also avoiding the debt that often accompanies those programs.

Keep in mind the sample size is small, which means individual circumstances can significantly influence these figures. Still, for a student prioritizing minimal debt while entering a stable, well-paying field, this represents solid value—especially when combined with community college's lower tuition structure.