Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at St. John Fisher University

St. John Fisher's nursing program produces graduates earning significantly less than they could at other New York schools. While the $73,333 starting salary sounds reasonable, it falls well below New York's median nursing salary of $89,296, ranking in just the 25th percentile statewide. This means three-quarters of nursing programs in New York deliver better earning outcomes for their graduates.

The earnings trajectory adds another concern: graduates actually see their salaries decline by 9% over four years, dropping to $66,970. This downward trend is unusual for nursing, a field that typically rewards experience with higher pay. Meanwhile, debt levels at $27,000 match both national and state medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable but not impressive given the relatively modest starting salaries.

For perspective, top nursing programs in New York like Helene Fuld College and CUNY schools are producing graduates who earn $40,000+ more annually. Even considering St. John Fisher's decent admission standards and smaller class environment, the financial return doesn't justify choosing this program over stronger alternatives within New York. Parents should seriously explore SUNY nursing options or other programs that rank higher in the state's nursing landscape.