Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Louisville

University of Louisville's nursing program delivers concerning returns that fall well short of what families should expect from a bachelor's degree in this field. With first-year earnings of $69,027 dropping to $63,288 by year four, graduates experience an 8% decline in income over time—the opposite of typical career progression. This places the program in just the 20th percentile nationally for nursing earnings, meaning 80% of similar programs produce better-paid graduates.

The state comparison offers little consolation. While UofL ranks at the 40th percentile among Kentucky nursing programs, this reflects the state's generally weaker nursing market rather than program strength. Top Kentucky nursing programs like Beckfield College-Florence ($83,033) and University of Pikeville ($82,878) demonstrate that much higher earnings are achievable within the state. Even the Kentucky median of $70,523 exceeds UofL's declining trajectory.

The debt picture adds another layer of concern. At $23,205, graduates carry less debt than typical nursing students, but this advantage is undermined by the below-average earnings. More troubling is the earnings decline over time, suggesting graduates may struggle with career advancement or face limited opportunities in Louisville's job market. Given nursing's strong national job prospects and typically stable career growth, this program's performance is particularly disappointing and suggests families should seriously consider alternatives.