Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

UW-Green Bay's nursing program lands in the middle of Wisconsin's crowded field—earning around $72,000 initially while carrying $28,000 in debt. That 0.40 debt ratio is manageable, translating to less than five months of first-year salary. However, the program falls $4,600 short of the national median for nursing graduates and trails the state's top programs by about $5,000 annually. Among Wisconsin's 28 nursing programs, this one sits at the 40th percentile, meaning nearly two-thirds of comparable in-state options produce higher-earning graduates.

The 8% earnings growth to $76,000 by year four is respectable but doesn't close the gap with stronger programs. For context, UW-Madison and several Herzing University campuses start their graduates $3,000-5,000 higher right out of the gate. Given nursing's relatively standardized curriculum and licensure requirements, those earnings differences likely reflect factors like clinical placement networks and employer relationships rather than educational quality alone.

If your child has admission offers from multiple Wisconsin nursing programs, this one represents a safe but not exceptional choice. The debt load won't be crushing, and employment prospects remain strong given nursing's perennial demand. But with an 88% admission rate and mid-tier outcomes, it's worth comparing financial aid packages from UW-Madison or even private options like Herzing, where higher starting salaries could offset any tuition premium within a year or two of graduation.