Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Southern Nazarene University

Southern Nazarene University's nursing program places graduates near the middle of Oklahoma's options—ranking at the 40th percentile statewide—but noticeably behind the state's top performers. First-year earnings of $69,818 fall about $1,600 below Oklahoma's median and roughly $5,000 behind the national benchmark. More concerning, several nearby alternatives deliver substantially stronger outcomes: Northeastern State graduates earn $11,000 more annually, while Southwestern Oklahoma State and Rogers State both offer meaningful earnings advantages.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $31,000, graduates carry slightly more than both state and national medians, but the 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable—roughly 70% of first-year salary. With 45% of students receiving Pell grants, the program serves a population that particularly needs strong employment outcomes to justify the investment.

The flatline earnings trajectory—just 1% growth over four years—suggests graduates reach their earning potential quickly but shouldn't expect significant advancement without additional credentials. If your child has admission offers from Northeastern State, Southwestern Oklahoma State, or Rogers State, those programs deliver better returns for potentially lower cost. Southern Nazarene works as a solid backup option, especially if location or campus culture matters significantly, but the numbers don't justify choosing it over Oklahoma's stronger nursing schools.