Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at The Catholic University of America

Catholic University's nursing program starts strong but loses momentum in ways that matter for long-term career planning. Graduates earn $81,044 in their first year—above the national median and roughly tied with DC's competitive nursing market. However, earnings actually decline to $79,813 by year four, an unusual trajectory in a field where nurses typically advance into better-paying roles or specialties. Among DC's eight nursing programs, this places Catholic in the middle of the pack, trailing Georgetown by about $5,000 but performing comparably to Howard and Trinity.

The $27,000 debt load is manageable at 33% of first-year earnings, but the stagnant salary progression raises questions about whether graduates are developing specialized skills or moving into leadership positions that drive higher pay. In contrast, most nursing programs see earnings rise as graduates gain experience and credentials. The program's broad scope—covering clinical nursing, research, and administration—should theoretically open multiple career paths, yet the data suggests graduates may not be capitalizing on these opportunities.

For families weighing this $27,000 investment, the immediate job prospects look solid, but the four-year trajectory suggests Catholic's nursing graduates aren't gaining ground the way they should in DC's high-paying healthcare market. If your child is considering this program, dig into clinical placement sites and whether the curriculum includes pathways to specialized certifications that command premium salaries.