Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Saint Elizabeth School of Nursing

Saint Elizabeth's nursing program graduates start strong at nearly $69,000—beating the national median and matching the Indiana state median. The debt burden of $38,369 is higher than many nursing programs nationwide, but the immediate return looks manageable with a 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio. However, the earnings trajectory tells a troubling story: graduates see their income drop by 12% from year one to year four, falling to about $61,000. This backward slide is unusual in nursing, where earnings typically rise steadily with experience.

What explains this pattern? With over half of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves working-class students who need quick entry into the workforce—the 100% acceptance rate suggests it's designed for access rather than selectivity. The strong starting salary indicates graduates are well-prepared for their first jobs. But something shifts: perhaps graduates hit a ceiling without a BSN, or the program's structure doesn't support career advancement as effectively as bachelor's degree pathways.

For families weighing this certificate against a traditional four-year BSN, the tradeoff is clear: faster entry to decent earnings versus long-term growth potential. If your child needs to start earning quickly or already works in healthcare, this accelerates their career. But if they have time and resources for a bachelor's degree, that investment will likely pay off better over the long run. The program works—it just may not work forever.