Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Vermont State University

Vermont State University's nursing program delivers solid first-year earnings of $75,160—slightly above both the national and state medians—while keeping graduates' debt burden well below typical levels. At $35,125, the median debt sits in the 15th percentile nationally, meaning 85% of nursing programs nationwide leave students with more debt. This translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47, which is manageable for a field with steady employment prospects.

What stands out here is the combination of accessibility and financial outcomes. With an 83% admission rate and nearly a third of students on Pell grants, this program serves students who might face barriers elsewhere. Despite this broad access, graduates earn more than peers from Vermont's other nursing programs, including those at Norwich and UVM. Ranking in the 60th percentile statewide means this program outperforms most Vermont nursing options—a meaningful advantage for students planning to stay in-state.

The modest debt advantage matters more than the earnings edge. New nurses can realistically manage $35,000 in loans on a $75,000 salary, especially given nursing's strong job market and potential for overtime. For Vermont families looking at nursing programs, this represents good value: competitive starting salaries without the debt loads that plague many healthcare programs. The accessibility factor makes it particularly worth considering for first-generation college students or those needing a clear path into a stable profession.