Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Mary Washington

University of Mary Washington's nursing program delivers something increasingly rare: strong earnings with minimal debt. With graduates carrying just $16,910 in debt—far below both the state median of $27,457 and national median of $27,000—this program stands out for its affordability. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 means graduates owe less than three months' salary, making this financially manageable from day one.

The earnings picture requires more nuance. At $76,013, first-year salaries essentially match Virginia's median and sit slightly above the national average. However, this places the program at just the 40th percentile among Virginia nursing programs, with several schools (like Chamberlain and Shenandoah) delivering $5,000-7,000 more annually. For a family prioritizing immediate earning power, that gap matters—it compounds to over $100,000 across a 20-year career before accounting for raises.

The key question is whether saving $10,000-15,000 in debt justifies potentially lower lifetime earnings. For students who would struggle with higher debt loads or plan to pursue graduate education where the bachelor's institution matters less, this represents solid value. But families who can manage slightly higher debt might want to compare outcomes at Virginia's top-tier programs, especially if their student has the credentials to gain admission.