Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Watts College of Nursing

Watts College of Nursing produces graduates who enter the workforce earning above both national and North Carolina medians for nursing programs, hitting $69,634 in their first year—a strong start that ranks in the 60th percentile statewide. The debt load of $31,838 is higher than the national norm but translates to a manageable 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary. That's a reasonable burden for a nursing credential.

The concerning trend here is the earnings trajectory: salaries drop 17% by year four, falling to $57,881. This backward slide is unusual in nursing, where experience typically increases earning power. It could reflect graduates moving into lower-paying roles, working reduced hours, or leaving the field—patterns that deserve investigation before enrollment. With only three nursing programs at this level in North Carolina, direct state comparisons are limited, but this earnings decline stands out as atypical for the profession.

For parents considering this investment, the math works initially—graduates land solid first-year positions and manageable debt. But the four-year earnings data raises questions about career sustainability or advancement opportunities for graduates. If your child is committed to nursing long-term, investigate whether alumni stay in clinical roles or transition to settings where mid-career earnings typically stabilize or grow.