Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Surry Community College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Surry Community College's nursing program offers above-average outcomes at a fraction of the typical cost. Graduates earn $69,740 their first year—ahead of both the North Carolina median ($67,505) and national median ($68,409)—while carrying just $13,574 in debt. That debt load is 35% lower than the state average and nearly half the national median, giving this program one of the better debt-to-earnings ratios you'll find in nursing education.
Ranking in the 60th percentile among North Carolina's 59 nursing programs, Surry sits comfortably in the upper tier without quite reaching the top programs like Robeson or Stanly (which produce graduates earning $76,000-$77,000). The tradeoff here is modest: you're looking at about $7,000 less in first-year earnings compared to the state's highest performers, but you're also avoiding significantly more debt in many cases.
For families weighing nursing programs in North Carolina, Surry delivers strong earning potential with minimal financial risk. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 means graduates can realistically pay off their loans within months rather than years, making this a financially sound path into a stable profession. Unless your child can access one of the top-tier NC programs at similar cost, Surry represents solid value.
Where Surry Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Surry Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Surry Community College graduates earn $70k, placing them in the 56th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (59 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surry Community College | $69,740 | — | $13,574 | 0.19 |
| Robeson Community College | $77,475 | $53,517 | $9,949 | 0.13 |
| Stanly Community College | $76,008 | $62,543 | — | — |
| Carolinas College of Health Sciences | $75,471 | $60,940 | $24,499 | 0.32 |
| Johnston Community College | $74,366 | $59,248 | $13,167 | 0.18 |
| Central Piedmont Community College | $73,310 | $61,843 | $16,125 | 0.22 |
| National Median | $68,409 | — | $20,751 | 0.30 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in North Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robeson Community College Lumberton | $2,571 | $77,475 | $9,949 |
| Stanly Community College Albemarle | $2,672 | $76,008 | — |
| Carolinas College of Health Sciences Charlotte | $19,095 | $75,471 | $24,499 |
| Johnston Community College Smithfield | $2,657 | $74,366 | $13,167 |
| Central Piedmont Community College Charlotte | $2,792 | $73,310 | $16,125 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Surry Community College, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 41 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.