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

University of Portland nursing graduates earn nearly $20,000 more than the national median for bachelor's-prepared nurses, placing them in the 95th percentile nationwide. With first-year earnings of $94,291 against manageable debt of $28,750, new graduates face a debt burden equal to just four months of salary—far better than most healthcare programs. This positions UP's nursing school as a clear field leader nationally.

The Oregon picture is more nuanced. While UP graduates match the state median, they trail regional competitors like Bushnell and Linfield by $8,000-$10,000 annually. Among Oregon's seven nursing programs, UP sits squarely in the middle, suggesting the state overall produces exceptionally well-compensated nurses rather than UP offering unique premium value. The slight earnings dip to $91,757 by year four (likely reflecting career choices rather than market weakness) doesn't significantly change the financial equation given the strong starting position.

For families choosing between nursing programs, University of Portland delivers reliable access to high-paying positions without excessive debt. The 95% admission rate makes it achievable for most qualified students. However, if your child can gain admission to Bushnell or Linfield, those programs show better in-state outcomes. Still, starting your nursing career debt-free within a year is a solid foundation, and UP's outcome easily justifies the investment compared to most nursing schools nationwide.