Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at South University-High Point
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
South University-High Point's nursing program delivers above-average starting salaries but comes with a significant debt burden that parents should carefully consider. Graduates earn $77,635 in their first year—well above both the national median ($74,888) and North Carolina's median ($71,822) for nursing programs. Among North Carolina's 33 nursing programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, putting it in solid middle-tier territory alongside programs at Duke and NC Central.
However, the financial picture is complicated by high student debt. At $41,815, graduates carry 55% more debt than the national median and 60% more than the typical North Carolina nursing program. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 is manageable, it means graduates will likely face higher monthly payments than peers from other programs. The concerning aspect is virtually flat earnings growth—just 1% over four years—suggesting limited salary advancement potential.
For families considering this investment, the program offers competitive starting pay but at a premium price. The 55% Pell Grant recipient rate indicates the school serves many lower-income students, yet saddles them with above-average debt loads. While nursing generally provides job security and decent pay, families should compare total program costs against more affordable in-state options like UNC Wilmington, which offers similar earnings with significantly lower debt.
Where South University-High Point Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How South University-High Point graduates compare to all programs nationally
South University-High Point graduates earn $78k, placing them in the 61th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (33 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South University-High Point | $77,635 | $78,626 | $41,815 | 0.54 |
| Chamberlain University-North Carolina | $83,188 | $81,995 | $39,146 | 0.47 |
| University of Mount Olive | $81,493 | $78,472 | $27,094 | 0.33 |
| Duke University | $77,288 | $71,426 | $29,000 | 0.38 |
| North Carolina Central University | $76,142 | $73,033 | $40,000 | 0.53 |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington | $74,463 | $71,322 | $22,000 | 0.30 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in North Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chamberlain University-North Carolina Charlotte | $19,686 | $83,188 | $39,146 |
| University of Mount Olive Mount Olive | $25,950 | $81,493 | $27,094 |
| Duke University Durham | $65,805 | $77,288 | $29,000 |
| North Carolina Central University Durham | $6,542 | $76,142 | $40,000 |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington | $7,317 | $74,463 | $22,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At South University-High Point, approximately 55% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 1002 graduates with reported earnings and 1234 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.