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

Shenandoah's nursing graduates start strong with first-year earnings of $81,678—well above both Virginia's median ($76,056) and the national average ($74,888). However, something unusual happens after year one: earnings drop 14% to $70,543 by year four, falling below state and national benchmarks. With a robust sample of 100+ graduates, this isn't a data fluke—it's a pattern worth understanding.

The debt picture offers some consolation. At $29,749, borrowing sits just slightly above state and national medians, resulting in a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio based on that strong first-year salary. Among Virginia's 35 nursing programs, Shenandoah ranks in the 60th percentile—respectable but not exceptional, trailing schools like Chamberlain and George Mason by several thousand dollars.

The earnings decline deserves investigation before committing. Are graduates taking on administrative or education roles that pay less than bedside nursing? Moving to lower cost-of-living areas? The initial salary suggests quality preparation and strong employment outcomes, but that trajectory should prompt questions during campus visits about where alumni actually land four years out. If your child plans a traditional nursing career path, the starting salary is competitive, though you're essentially betting on that first-year momentum to justify the investment.