Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Triton College

Triton College's nursing program faces a measurement challenge—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers may not reflect the typical student experience. That said, the available data suggests this program falls short of what Illinois nursing graduates typically achieve.

Starting salaries of $63,003 land below both the state median ($66,360) and national benchmark ($68,409), placing this program at the 40th percentile statewide. That gap is meaningful: graduates from nearby Moraine Valley Community College earn $10,000 more right out of the gate, while Joliet Junior College graduates start nearly $9,000 ahead. The debt load of $18,209 is actually higher than the Illinois median for nursing programs, creating a less favorable financial picture than most in-state alternatives. The 12% earnings growth to $70,666 by year four helps close the gap somewhat, but doesn't fully compensate for the lower starting point.

For parents weighing this option, the key question is whether location or other program features justify accepting below-average Illinois nursing outcomes. The small sample size means future cohorts could perform differently, but right now, multiple community college nursing programs across Illinois deliver stronger financial results with comparable or lower debt burdens.