Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at St Joseph School of Nursing

St. Joseph School of Nursing graduates start strong at over $71,000—well above the national median for associate nursing programs—but that's only part of the story. While these earnings land in the 65th percentile nationally, they sit in the 40th percentile within New Hampshire, where several community colleges consistently produce graduates earning $73,000 to $75,000 in their first year. River Valley Community College graduates, for instance, earn nearly $4,000 more right out of the gate, and that gap matters when compounded over a career.

The debt picture offers some consolation: at $24,167, borrowers here owe about $3,000 less than the state median, resulting in a manageable 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio. But earnings growth barely registers at 2% over four years, meaning graduates shouldn't expect significant salary increases through experience alone. This stagnation is particularly notable in a field where mobility and advancement typically reward those willing to pursue specialized certifications or leadership roles.

For New Hampshire families, the math is straightforward. Your child will likely secure solid employment and manageable debt, but other in-state programs deliver better first-year earnings that compound over time. If location flexibility exists, the community college alternatives deserve serious consideration—they offer similar or better outcomes at similar or lower costs.