Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Louisiana at Monroe

ULM nursing graduates start strong at $76,000, but something concerning happens after that first year—earnings drop to $69,000 by year four. That's unusual for nursing, where most programs see steady growth as nurses gain experience and certifications. The robust sample size here (100+ graduates) makes this pattern hard to dismiss as statistical noise.

Within Louisiana's nursing landscape, this program sits at the 40th percentile—meaning six in ten Louisiana nursing programs deliver higher earnings. The gap is real: ULM grads earn about $11,000 less annually than those from top-performing Louisiana schools like Dillard or Chamberlain. The modest debt load of $23,550 helps cushion the blow somewhat, coming in well below Louisiana's $28,000 median, but lower debt can't fully compensate for declining earnings in a field where income should be climbing.

The fundamental question is why earnings decline when they should be rising. It could reflect regional employment patterns in Monroe's healthcare market, limited opportunities for advancement, or graduates leaving nursing roles. For an anxious parent, this means your child might start well but face challenges building momentum in their career. If staying in Northeast Louisiana is the plan, understand that this program's outcomes trail most alternatives across the state. The low debt is genuinely helpful, but it's solving for the wrong problem when the core issue is earnings trajectory.