Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Samuel Merritt University

Samuel Merritt's nursing program delivers exceptional earning power that far exceeds national expectations, with first-year graduates earning $119,486—nearly 60% higher than the national median of $74,888 and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. This puts your child on track for immediate financial success, with earnings growing to $135,557 by year four. The debt load of $25,000 is very reasonable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.21, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans within two years of working.

However, context matters for California families. While these earnings crush national benchmarks, they're more typical within California's high-paying nursing market, ranking at the 60th percentile statewide where the median is already $100,588. Samuel Merritt performs solidly among California programs but isn't the top performer—several Cal State schools actually deliver slightly higher earnings at likely lower costs.

The bottom line: this program virtually guarantees strong financial outcomes with manageable debt, making it a safe investment. The 95th percentile national ranking speaks to the program's quality, though California families should recognize they're paying premium tuition for outcomes that, while excellent, are more standard within the state's robust nursing market.