Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Colorado Colorado Springs

UCCS nursing graduates start with earnings just below $72,000—roughly $3,000 less than both national and state averages for nursing programs. More concerning is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn slightly less four years into their careers than they did initially. Among Colorado's 18 nursing programs, UCCS ranks in the 40th percentile, while competitors like Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs and Metro State produce graduates earning $6,000-$16,000 more annually.

The $28,000 debt load falls right in line with typical nursing school debt, translating to a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's the silver lining here—you're not overpaying for below-average outcomes. With a 97% admission rate, UCCS provides accessible nursing education, but accessibility doesn't always translate to competitive career outcomes. The earnings plateau by year four suggests graduates may face limited advancement opportunities or are concentrated in lower-paying nursing specialties.

For in-state students seeking the most affordable path to nursing licensure, UCCS works—you'll carry reasonable debt and start earning a solid income. But if your child has options among Colorado nursing programs, the data suggests looking at Metro State or Regis, where graduates earn considerably more for similar or only slightly higher debt. The question isn't whether nursing is a good career; it's whether this particular program positions graduates as competitively as alternatives just down the road.