Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Sullivan University

Sullivan's nursing program charges more than double the debt of typical Kentucky nursing programs—$47,035 versus the state median of $23,010—while delivering earnings that barely edge above state averages. At 60th percentile in Kentucky, graduates earn $68,824 in their first year, which sounds reasonable until you realize that programs like University of Pikeville and American National University-Pikeville produce graduates earning over $75,000 with similar or lower debt loads.

The stagnant earnings trajectory is equally troubling. Between year one and year four, income grows by just $400—essentially flat when accounting for inflation. This stands in sharp contrast to the growing debt burden, which ranks in the bottom 5% nationally for affordability. You're looking at roughly 8 months of gross income needed to cover the debt, which is manageable, but only if those earnings were increasing over time rather than plateauing immediately.

For families weighing this investment, the question isn't whether nursing is viable—it clearly is in Kentucky. The question is whether Sullivan's premium pricing makes sense when multiple Kentucky programs deliver better outcomes at lower cost. Unless location or specific program features justify the extra $24,000 in debt, you'd likely be better served exploring alternatives like Galen College or even top performers like Pikeville, where the financial picture improves considerably from day one.