Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Salt Lake Community College

Salt Lake Community College's nursing program sits in an unusual position: it trails the national average by about $4,000 annually, yet outperforms most Utah nursing programs—landing at the 60th percentile statewide. More concerning is the earnings trajectory: graduates see their income drop from $64,223 to $61,702 over four years, suggesting many start in higher-paying acute care roles but may transition to less lucrative positions.

The debt load of $15,085 is manageable, representing just 23% of first-year earnings—well below the concerning 1:1 ratio. However, that debt figure ranks in the 78th percentile nationally, meaning most comparable programs saddle students with even less. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) makes these trends reasonably reliable, and the relatively low Pell grant percentage suggests this may not be the most affordable pathway for lower-income students despite being a community college.

For Utah families prioritizing staying in-state, this program delivers competitive preparation at a reasonable cost, beating out most alternatives except Nightingale and Fortis. The declining earnings pattern deserves attention—ask whether graduates are finding the career mobility they expect, or if initial hospital positions aren't translating into sustained advancement. The debt-to-earnings ratio suggests this remains financially viable, but the combination of below-national earnings and downward income trajectory means your child may need to be strategic about specialty choices and employer selection after graduation.