Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Illinois Chicago

UIC's nursing program offers solid value with notably low debt, though earnings plateau immediately after graduation. Starting salaries of $75,045 exceed both national and Illinois medians, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide among 41 nursing programs. More importantly, graduates carry just $20,500 in debt—significantly below the $27,000 state and national averages—creating a very manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27.

The concerning pattern is earnings stagnation: four years post-graduation, median pay actually drops slightly to $74,072. While this flatline is common in nursing, it contrasts with higher-performing Illinois programs like Chamberlain ($83,188) or Governors State ($80,391) that may offer better long-term earning potential. However, UIC's debt advantage is substantial—graduates start their careers with roughly $6,500 less debt burden than typical nursing students.

For families prioritizing affordability and steady employment, UIC delivers strong value. The combination of above-average starting pay and below-average debt creates financial breathing room that many nursing graduates don't enjoy. While this won't be the highest-earning nursing program in Illinois, it provides a reliable pathway into a stable profession without crushing debt loads.