Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Swedish Institute a College of Health Sciences

Swedish Institute graduates are earning Manhattan-level salaries while competing at the top of New York's nursing market. First-year earnings of $97,000 place this program in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile statewide—roughly $24,000 above what the typical New York nursing associate earns and $29,000 above the national median. The trajectory only improves from there, with four-year earnings crossing $112,000. Yes, the debt load is higher than average at $35,000, but with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, graduates are borrowing less than five months' salary—a manageable burden given these income levels.

The value proposition becomes clearer when you consider that 86% of students receive Pell grants. This isn't a luxury program serving wealthy students; it's successfully launching working-class New Yorkers into six-figure careers. The higher debt reflects New York City's cost structure, but the program's positioning among the city's top five nursing schools by earnings suggests graduates are securing positions at competitive hospitals where both starting pay and advancement potential justify the investment.

For families willing to take on slightly more debt for substantially higher earnings, this program delivers. The combination of strong initial placement and steady income growth offers a clear path to financial stability in one of the country's most expensive cities.