Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Umpqua Community College

Umpqua Community College's nursing graduates earn nearly $89,000 in their first year—$20,000 above the national median for associate nursing programs. That's an impressive outcome for a community college in rural Oregon, placing graduates among the top 5% nationally. Within Oregon's competitive nursing market, this program sits comfortably in the middle of the pack (60th percentile), trailing only larger community colleges in Portland and Medford but delivering comparable results. The $20,500 in typical debt is modest relative to those first-year earnings, creating a debt-to-income ratio of just 0.23—you're looking at manageable payments that won't strain a new nurse's budget.

The slight earnings dip to $86,000 by year four shouldn't alarm parents. This likely reflects the realities of rural healthcare employment, where new graduates might start with shift differentials or overtime that levels off as they settle into regular schedules. Crucially, Oregon nurses remain well-compensated throughout their careers, and starting at nearly $90,000 provides substantial financial cushion.

For families considering in-state options, Umpqua delivers excellent value. While a handful of Oregon programs edge slightly higher in earnings, the differences are minimal—we're talking $1,000-$4,000 annually—and Umpqua keeps debt lower than the state average. If your child is drawn to Roseburg or prefers a smaller community college setting, this program offers a solid path into nursing without geographic or financial compromise.