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

University of Memphis nursing graduates face an unusual earnings trajectory that sets this program apart from typical nursing careers. While first-year graduates earn $73,680—just slightly below the national median of $74,888—their salaries actually decline to $64,251 by year four, representing a 13% drop that runs counter to most career paths.

Within Tennessee's nursing landscape, this program performs respectably, ranking in the 60th percentile among the state's 32 nursing programs. The $27,168 median debt burden is reasonable and closely matches both national and state averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37. However, the earnings decline becomes more problematic when you consider that graduates start above Tennessee's median of $67,094 but end up below it after four years.

The earnings pattern suggests potential issues with career advancement opportunities or market saturation in Memphis-area healthcare. While the debt load won't crush graduates financially, parents should understand they're investing in a program where peak earning potential appears to come immediately after graduation rather than building over time. For families prioritizing stable, growing income trajectories, this program's backwards earnings curve warrants serious consideration against other Tennessee options like Strayer or Galen, where graduates earn more consistently.