Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Villanova University

Villanova's nursing program produces graduates earning $86,241 in their first year—significantly above both the national median ($74,888) and Pennsylvania's median ($78,428) for nursing programs. However, among Pennsylvania's 52 nursing schools, this performance only reaches the 60th percentile, trailing programs like Immaculata and Thomas Jefferson that offer similar or better outcomes.

The financial picture is solid but not exceptional. With $27,000 in median debt and strong first-year earnings, graduates face a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 0.31. The concerning element is earnings growth: after four years, graduates earn just $87,471, representing minimal growth of only 1%. This stagnation is unusual for nursing, where experience typically drives meaningful salary increases.

For a highly selective institution with a 25% admission rate and average SAT scores of 1466, these outcomes suggest you're paying premium tuition for solid but not standout nursing career preparation. While Villanova delivers strong immediate earning power and manageable debt, the lack of earnings progression and middling performance within Pennsylvania raise questions about long-term value. Pennsylvania families might find comparable or better outcomes at less prestigious institutions, particularly given nursing's emphasis on licensure and clinical skills over institutional prestige.