Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University's nursing program costs $25,000 in median debt but produces graduates who earn slightly less four years out ($68,023) than they did right after graduation ($70,226). While the initial debt burden seems manageable at just 36% of first-year earnings, the lack of income growth is unusual in a field where nurses typically see steady salary increases as they gain experience and certifications.

The state context reveals an interesting tension: these graduates perform decently within Missouri (60th percentile), beating the state median by a small margin. However, they significantly trail the national median for nursing programs by nearly $7,000 annually. More concerning, they're earning roughly $15,000 less than peers from Chamberlain or Research College of Nursing—programs that may offer stronger clinical networks or placement pipelines. The $25,000 debt is actually lower than Missouri's typical $27,000 for nursing programs, which provides some financial cushion.

For Missouri families planning to stay in-state, this program offers middle-of-the-pack outcomes at below-average cost. The real question is whether your child plans to work nationally or locally, and whether they're entering with clear specialty goals that could accelerate their earning trajectory beyond what these aggregate numbers show. If they're considering nursing as a launching pad to advanced practice or administration, starting salary matters less than long-term potential.