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

University of Saint Mary's nursing program places graduates squarely in the middle of Kansas nursing schools—ranking at the 60th percentile statewide—even though it falls short of the national median by about $4,500. That state comparison matters more than it might seem: graduates here earn slightly above Kansas's typical nursing salary of $68,354, which helps offset the program's lower national standing. The debt picture is reasonable, with $29,000 borrowed against first-year earnings above $70,000, creating a manageable 0.41 ratio that students can realistically pay down.

The concerning element is earnings growth. Over four years, salaries increase just 5% to $73,836, meaning graduates reach their peak quickly and see limited upward trajectory. Compare that to the top-performing Ottawa University programs in Kansas, where graduates start at $76,000—giving them both a higher floor and likely better long-term prospects. For a school with a 90% admission rate and modest academic selectivity, this limited earning potential suggests the program may not provide the competitive advantage some families expect.

If your child is committed to staying in Kansas and values the personal attention that often comes with smaller programs, this represents a workable path into nursing without crushing debt. But if maximizing earning potential matters, the Ottawa University programs deliver $6,000 more annually from day one—a gap that compounds significantly over a 30-year career.