Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Salisbury University

Salisbury University's nursing program graduates start strong at $76,477, but there's an unusual pattern that deserves attention: earnings actually drop to $68,904 by year four. While that 10% decline could reflect graduates pursuing less lucrative specialties or shifting to part-time work, it's the opposite trajectory most parents expect from a bachelor's degree investment.

The concerning part is how this program stacks up locally. Among Maryland's 13 nursing programs, Salisbury ranks in just the 40th percentile—trailing significantly behind peers like Frostburg State ($82,617) and Towson ($80,344), and falling about $10,000 short of the state median. Even though debt levels are reasonable at $24,297, Maryland nursing graduates typically start at $79,291, meaning your child would begin roughly $3,000 behind state peers right out of the gate, with that gap potentially widening over time.

That said, nursing remains a solid career foundation, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 means manageable monthly payments. But if you're paying in-state tuition at a Maryland public university, this program delivers below-average returns compared to other state options. Before committing, look closely at why several Maryland schools produce stronger outcomes—it might come down to clinical partnerships, location advantages for job placement, or program specializations that lead to higher-paying positions.