Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University's nursing program delivers strong immediate earning power, placing graduates in the 85th percentile nationally with first-year earnings of $85,656—well above the national median of $74,888. However, the program's relative strength diminishes when viewed within Pennsylvania's competitive nursing landscape, where it ranks only at the 60th percentile despite the state's median being $78,428.

The debt picture is notably favorable, with graduates carrying just $30,000 in median debt compared to national and state averages around $27,000-$28,000. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to service their loans without financial strain. The concerning element is earnings stagnation—income grows by merely 1% over four years, suggesting limited career advancement or salary progression compared to other fields.

While Jefferson produces well-paid new nurses, Pennsylvania families should recognize they're paying for solid but not exceptional performance within their state. The program ranks behind several in-state competitors like Immaculata and Villanova, though the difference isn't dramatic. For families prioritizing immediate employment prospects and reasonable debt loads, Jefferson delivers on both fronts, but don't expect significant salary growth beyond that strong starting point.