Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of West Florida
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of West Florida's nursing program shows a troubling earnings trajectory that sets it apart from typical nursing careers. While graduates start strong at $73,787—close to national averages—their earnings actually decline to $67,805 by year four, representing an 8% drop when most nursing careers are ascending. This pattern is particularly concerning in Florida's competitive nursing market, where this program ranks in just the 40th percentile for earnings despite the state's generally strong healthcare compensation.
The debt picture compounds these concerns. At $21,740, graduates carry significantly more debt than the national median of $27,000, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 becomes less favorable as those earnings decline over time. Florida's top nursing programs demonstrate what's possible—Miami Dade College and Valencia College graduates earn over $90,000 annually, showing this isn't a statewide issue but rather program-specific performance.
For parents considering this investment, the numbers suggest caution. While nursing remains a solid career choice, this particular program underperforms both state and national benchmarks while saddling students with above-average debt. The robust sample size makes these findings reliable, not statistical noise. Families should explore Florida's higher-performing nursing programs, including several community colleges that deliver superior outcomes at likely lower cost.
Where University of West Florida Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of West Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of West Florida graduates earn $74k, placing them in the 44th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (72 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of West Florida | $73,787 | $67,805 | $21,740 | 0.29 |
| West Coast University-Miami | $95,859 | $98,869 | $38,145 | 0.40 |
| Valencia College | $93,751 | — | $22,158 | 0.24 |
| Miami Dade College | $90,158 | — | $12,500 | 0.14 |
| Seminole State College of Florida | $89,194 | — | $22,134 | 0.25 |
| Pasco-Hernando State College | $89,145 | — | $22,097 | 0.25 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast University-Miami Doral | $23,691 | $95,859 | $38,145 |
| Valencia College Orlando | $2,474 | $93,751 | $22,158 |
| Miami Dade College Miami | $2,838 | $90,158 | $12,500 |
| Seminole State College of Florida Sanford | $3,227 | $89,194 | $22,134 |
| Pasco-Hernando State College New Port Richey | $3,155 | $89,145 | $22,097 |
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 West Florida, approximately 33% 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 505 graduates with reported earnings and 540 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.