Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Ulster County Community College

Ulster County Community College's nursing program delivers strong outcomes that justify its slightly higher debt load. Graduates earn $77,265 within their first year—substantially above the national median of $68,409 and above New York's typical $73,415. While the program sits at the 60th percentile among New York's 64 nursing programs, this actually places it solidly in the middle of a highly competitive state market. The debt of $28,109 translates to a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates earn nearly three times what they owe.

The real question is whether paying slightly more than the state median debt ($24,957) makes sense when top New York programs like Cochran and CUNY Hostos produce graduates earning $95,000+. For many students, Ulster's value lies in its community college accessibility and location—the higher-earning programs tend to be specialized institutions in urban areas with higher living costs. Earnings growth to $80,337 by year four is modest but steady, suggesting career stability rather than explosive growth.

For a family considering Ulster, the numbers support enrollment if geographic convenience matters or if your student prefers a community college pathway. The program delivers above-average outcomes with debt that won't overwhelm a nursing salary. Just understand you're choosing solid performance over elite earnings potential.