Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University's nursing program delivers strong initial earnings that significantly outpace both national and state standards, with graduates earning $85,600 in their first year—well above the national median of $74,888 and New Hampshire's median of $76,644. This program ranks in the 85th percentile nationally, making it a standout performer among the 1,191 nursing programs across the country. Within New Hampshire's more competitive nursing landscape, it ranks in the 60th percentile and leads all other major programs in the state.

The debt picture is reasonable, with graduates carrying $31,470 in median debt—slightly above national and state medians but still manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37. However, there's a concerning trend: earnings actually decline by 2% from year one to year four, dropping to $83,728. This unusual pattern suggests graduates may start in higher-paying specialty roles but potentially move to different positions over time.

For parents, this program represents solid value despite the premium price point. The high initial earnings provide strong debt coverage, and the 96% admission rate makes it accessible. The robust sample size gives confidence in these outcomes, though you should investigate why earnings plateau rather than grow—this could reflect career flexibility or regional market dynamics rather than program limitations.