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

Waynesburg nursing graduates start strong at $71,208, but that figure drops to $66,808 by year four—an unusual pattern in a field where demand typically drives steady wage growth. While the debt load of $27,000 is manageable at just 0.38 times first-year earnings, the backwards trajectory raises questions about whether graduates are finding the right opportunities or perhaps starting in higher-paying acute care roles before moving to positions they prefer but that pay less.

The program sits in the 40th percentile among Pennsylvania's 52 nursing programs, with earnings trailing the state median by about $7,000. That gap widens when you look at top performers: Immaculata and Villanova graduates earn $16,000-$19,000 more annually. Even accounting for Waynesburg's 92% admission rate and accessibility mission, Pennsylvania nursing programs generally deliver stronger outcomes across the board.

For families specifically targeting nursing, this program won't prevent your child from entering the field—the debt is reasonable and jobs are available. But Pennsylvania offers considerably stronger options at similar or even lower debt levels, particularly if your child can access more competitive programs. The declining earnings pattern here suggests graduates may be facing limitations in advancement or market positioning that peers at other Pennsylvania schools aren't encountering.