Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Northern Colorado

University of Northern Colorado's nursing program shows graduates earning slightly below Colorado's median in their first year—landing around the 40th percentile statewide—but the real concern is what happens next. While most nurses see steady income growth as they gain experience, UNC nursing graduates see their median earnings drop from $74,308 to $66,000 by year four. This backward trajectory is unusual in a profession where clinical experience typically commands higher pay.

The $26,000 debt load is manageable and actually lower than both the state and national medians for nursing programs. That's a genuine advantage. However, when your earnings are declining rather than growing, even moderate debt becomes harder to justify. Programs like Metro State Denver and Regis University show their graduates earning more both initially and sustainably, suggesting the regional job market rewards nurses differently depending on where they trained.

The earnings dip could reflect various factors—perhaps graduates taking part-time roles, switching to lower-paying care settings, or leaving Colorado for areas with different wage structures. With a robust sample size, these numbers are reliable indicators of graduate outcomes. For families considering this program, the key question is whether starting near the middle of the pack and potentially losing ground over time makes sense when several Colorado alternatives offer stronger earning trajectories at comparable or lower debt levels.