Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa's nursing program sits in an unusual position: it performs above the state median yet significantly below national averages, while maintaining notably low debt. Graduates earn $70,224 in their first year—about $3,000 more than Iowa's typical nursing graduate but $4,600 less than the national figure. Within Iowa's 19 nursing programs, this places Upper Iowa squarely in the middle of the pack, trailing schools like Luther and Dordt by roughly $5,000 but outpacing several competitors.

The debt picture offers genuine relief at $35,004, well below both state and national medians. This translates to a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to pay off loans within a few years. However, the slight earnings decline from year one to year four ($1,747 drop) suggests limited room for advancement, though this may reflect career choices or regional market conditions rather than program quality.

For Iowa families planning to stay in-state, this program delivers solid value—better-than-average local earnings with controlled debt. For students eyeing higher-paying markets or premium nursing positions, programs like Luther or the University of Iowa might justify their additional cost. The 93% admission rate suggests accessibility for a wide range of students, making this a viable path for those prioritizing affordability over maximizing earning potential.