Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at West Coast University-Ontario
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
West Coast University-Ontario's nursing program delivers strong national earnings but comes with a significant premium that may not justify the cost. Graduates earn $95,859 in their first year—placing them in the 95th percentile nationally, well above the national median of $74,888. However, this strong performance looks different in California context, where the program ranks only in the 40th percentile among state nursing programs, with graduates earning $5,000 less than the California median of $100,588.
The debt picture reveals the program's main weakness. At $38,145, graduates carry 41% more debt than the national median and 53% more than the typical California nursing program. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 remains manageable, several California public universities deliver comparable or better outcomes with significantly less debt. Cal State East Bay and Stanislaus, for example, produce graduates earning $25,000+ more annually.
For families prioritizing debt management, this program's premium pricing is hard to justify given California's robust public nursing options. The strong national ranking reflects more on nursing's earning potential than this specific program's value. Unless geographic constraints limit other options, California families should explore state universities that deliver superior earnings with lower debt burdens.
Where West Coast University-Ontario Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How West Coast University-Ontario graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast University-Ontario | $95,859 | $98,869 | +3% |
| California State University-East Bay | $124,392 | $139,795 | +12% |
| Samuel Merritt University | $119,486 | $135,557 | +13% |
| Dominican University of California | $97,762 | $132,781 | +36% |
| San Francisco State University | $117,532 | $132,542 | +13% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (65 total in state)
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 West Coast University-OntarioOntario | $37,194 | $95,859 | $98,869 | $38,145 | 0.40 |
 Sonoma State UniversityRohnert Park | $8,190 | $125,646 | $124,083 | $19,750 | 0.16 |
 California State University-East BayHayward | $7,055 | $124,392 | $139,795 | $18,875 | 0.15 |
 Samuel Merritt UniversityOakland | — | $119,486 | $135,557 | $25,000 | 0.21 |
 California State University-StanislausTurlock | $7,826 | $119,356 | $111,925 | $23,450 | 0.20 |
 Pacific Union CollegeAngwin | $35,214 | $119,258 | $112,642 | $31,000 | 0.26 |
| National Median | — | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At West Coast University-Ontario, approximately 50% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 3430 graduates with reported earnings and 3876 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.