Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Scranton
Bachelor's Degree
scranton.eduAnalysis
University of Scranton nursing graduates start strong at nearly $83,000 and climb to $98,000 by year four—earnings that place them well above both the national and Pennsylvania medians for the program. While the school ranks 60th percentile among Pennsylvania's 52 nursing programs, it's worth noting that the state has exceptionally competitive nursing schools at the top. This program still outperforms 60% of in-state options while charging typical debt levels ($27,000) that align precisely with national and state medians.
The 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates earn back their entire debt in roughly four months of work—a comfortable position for a new nurse. The 18% earnings growth over four years suggests career advancement opportunities, and with such strong starting salaries, the absolute dollar gains are substantial. Pennsylvania has several elite nursing programs commanding slightly higher salaries, but Scranton's combination of above-average earnings and manageable debt creates a reliable pathway into a stable profession.
For families seeking a nursing program that delivers solid outcomes without financial stress, this represents a safe choice. The 84% admission rate makes it accessible, and graduates aren't sacrificing earning potential for that accessibility—they're clearing nearly $100,000 before their fifth year in the field.
Where University of Scranton Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Scranton graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Scranton | $82,895 | $97,897 | +18% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $80,943 | $96,143 | +19% |
| Immaculata University | $87,624 | $91,952 | +5% |
| La Salle University | $84,400 | $88,296 | +5% |
| Villanova University | $86,241 | $87,471 | +1% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (52 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $52,309 | $82,895 | $97,897 | $27,000 | 0.33 | |
| $28,550 | $87,624 | $91,952 | $35,593 | 0.41 | |
| $64,701 | $86,241 | $87,471 | $27,000 | 0.31 | |
| $45,683 | $85,656 | $86,217 | $30,000 | 0.35 | |
| $60,663 | $85,441 | $84,218 | $30,750 | 0.36 | |
| $35,570 | $84,400 | $88,296 | $27,000 | 0.32 | |
| National Median | — | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Scranton, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 120 graduates with reported earnings and 111 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.