Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Western Nevada College
Associate's Degree
wnc.eduAnalysis
Western Nevada College's nursing program delivers first-year earnings of $82,312—nearly $14,000 above the national median and placing graduates in the 95th percentile nationally. With debt under $20,000, new nurses face payments equivalent to just three months of salary, creating an exceptionally manageable financial picture. This is one of the strongest debt-to-earnings ratios you'll find in nursing education.
The Nevada context matters here. While this program ranks at the 60th percentile statewide, that's actually a positive indicator—it means Nevada nursing programs generally pay well, and Western Nevada holds its own among them. The state's median earnings for nursing graduates already exceeds $80,000, reflecting strong demand and competitive wages across Nevada's healthcare market. Western Nevada's graduates essentially match the state benchmark while paying less in debt than the state average.
The slight earnings dip to $79,779 by year four isn't cause for alarm in nursing. Many RNs switch between hospital systems or shift to different specialties early in their careers, and these transitions can temporarily affect pay. What matters is the strong starting position: your child would graduate with excellent earnings potential and minimal debt burden, positioning them well whether they stay in Nevada or pursue opportunities elsewhere in a field with robust nationwide demand.
Where Western Nevada College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Western Nevada College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Nevada College | $82,312 | $79,779 | -3% |
| Las Vegas College | $75,561 | $88,950 | +18% |
| College of Southern Nevada | $77,082 | $80,225 | +4% |
| Carrington College-Reno | $82,838 | $78,912 | -5% |
| Truckee Meadows Community College | $80,518 | $77,156 | -4% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Nevada
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in Nevada (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Western Nevada CollegeCarson City | $3,920 | $82,312 | $79,779 | $19,897 | 0.24 |
 Carrington College-RenoReno | — | $82,838 | $78,912 | $32,500 | 0.39 |
 Truckee Meadows Community CollegeReno | $3,144 | $80,518 | $77,156 | $18,100 | 0.22 |
 College of Southern NevadaLas Vegas | $4,110 | $77,082 | $80,225 | $13,125 | 0.17 |
 Las Vegas CollegeLas Vegas | $17,684 | $75,561 | $88,950 | $32,167 | 0.43 |
| National Median | — | $68,409 | — | $20,751 | 0.30 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
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 Western Nevada College, approximately 18% 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 54 graduates with reported earnings and 54 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.