Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at St Paul's School of Nursing-Staten Island

St. Paul's School of Nursing produces associate degree RN graduates earning $86,000 in their first year—well above both the national median ($68,409) and New York state median ($73,415). While this program lands in the 60th percentile among New York nursing schools, that middle-tier ranking actually tells a positive story: New York's nursing market is exceptionally strong, and even mid-performing programs here deliver substantial earnings. The debt picture reinforces this value—at $30,313, graduates carry more than typical state debt but maintain a highly manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they could theoretically pay off loans in under five months of gross earnings.

The 12% earnings growth to $96,730 by year four shows solid career progression, and nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, suggesting the program successfully serves students who need economic mobility. Yes, some New York programs produce higher earners—Cochran and CUNY Hostos both top $97,000—but St. Paul's delivers strong returns without requiring the additional time and expense of a bachelor's degree.

For families weighing this investment, the math works: immediate six-figure earning potential (including benefits and overtime typical in nursing), reasonable debt that won't constrain post-graduation life, and entry into one of the most stable professions. The moderate sample size warrants checking recent job placement rates, but the fundamentals here are sound for students ready to start working quickly.