Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Rhode Island

URI's nursing program delivers strong initial earnings that significantly outpace national averages, with first-year graduates earning $82,218—well above the national median of $74,888 and ranking in the 78th percentile nationally. However, the program shows concerning earnings decline over time, with salaries dropping to $78,248 by year four, representing a 5% decrease when most careers see growth.

While URI nursing graduates earn more than the Rhode Island state median initially, they rank only in the 60th percentile among the state's four nursing programs. New England Institute of Technology produces notably higher earners at $86,470, suggesting URI may not be the strongest nursing option within Rhode Island despite its solid national standing.

The financial picture remains reasonable with $26,390 in median debt—slightly below national and state averages—creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32. This means graduates can expect to earn roughly three times their debt load in their first year, providing a solid foundation for repayment. However, parents should be aware of the unusual earnings decline pattern and consider whether URI justifies its likely higher costs compared to Rhode Island College, which produces similar outcomes at potentially lower expense.