Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of St Francis

University of St. Francis nursing graduates start strong at nearly $76,000—outperforming 60% of Illinois nursing programs—but the trajectory flatlines rather than building momentum. Four years out, earnings actually dip slightly, hovering around $75,000 while peers at comparable Illinois schools like Saint Xavier and Loyola show different patterns. The good news is debt management: at $30,700, graduates face a 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they owe less than five months of salary and carry debt below 74% of nursing programs nationally.

Here's what matters practically: a new nurse earning $76,000 can comfortably handle $30,700 in loans, likely paying them off within a few years on a standard plan. The stagnant earnings growth isn't ideal, but starting salaries this strong provide immediate financial stability. Your child won't be house-poor or drowning in payments right out of school. However, the earning plateau suggests advancement may require additional credentials or specialty certifications down the line.

This is a solid regional choice, especially if your child prefers St. Francis's smaller environment over larger state schools. The combination of above-median Illinois outcomes and manageable debt makes this a financially viable path into nursing—just understand that the initial salary is likely close to the ceiling without further career development.