Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Southern Indiana

University of Southern Indiana's nursing program produces graduates who earn slightly less than both state and national medians, but the real concern is the trajectory: earnings actually drop 7% by year four, falling from $68,945 to $64,054. While nursing typically offers steady career progression, something about this program's outcomes runs counter to that pattern—whether it's the types of roles graduates secure, local market dynamics in the Evansville area, or retention issues in higher-paying positions.

The debt picture offers some consolation. At $25,089, graduates carry about $2,000 less than typical Indiana nursing grads, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 means most can manage repayment reasonably well. Among Indiana's 30 nursing programs, this one sits squarely in the middle for earnings (40th percentile), performing notably behind top state options like Chamberlain ($83,188) or even nearby Purdue Northwest ($77,691). The 95% admission rate suggests accessibility is a priority here, which may explain both the lower incoming credentials and the earnings gap.

For families weighing options, this program won't block your child from a nursing career, but it appears to put them on a slower financial track than most alternatives in Indiana. If your student has competitive grades, exploring higher-ranked state programs could mean an extra $10,000+ annually in earning power without taking on more debt.