Est. Earnings (1yr)
$78,428
Est. from PA median (41 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$28,813
Est. from PA median (33 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable nursing programs in Pennsylvania, Westminster's outcomes look solidly middle-of-the-road. Similar BSN programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $78,400 against estimated debt of $28,800β€”a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 that's quite manageable in healthcare terms. Pennsylvania nursing graduates typically earn strong salaries right out of school, and this estimated trajectory matches both state and national medians for the degree.

The estimated figures here tell a practical story: nursing remains one of the more reliable pathways to financial stability after graduation. While top programs in Pennsylvania like Immaculata and Villanova report graduates earning $86,000-$88,000 in their first year, the $8,000-$10,000 difference may not justify significantly higher costs or more competitive admissions. Westminster's 86% acceptance rate suggests accessibility without the estimated outcomes suffering dramatically compared to more selective options.

The real question is whether Westminster offers the clinical partnerships, NCLEX pass rates, and job placement support that matter most in nursing. The estimated debt load is reasonable for a private college, but you'll want to verify actual program-specific outcomesβ€”NCLEX scores, employer relationships, specialty placement ratesβ€”before committing. These estimated earnings suggest financial viability, but nursing success depends heavily on program quality factors that loan data alone can't capture.

Where Westminster College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (52 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Westminster CollegeNew Wilmington$39,470$78,428*β€”$28,813*β€”
Immaculata UniversityImmaculata$28,550$87,624*$91,952$35,593*0.41
Villanova UniversityVillanova$64,701$86,241*$87,471$27,000*0.31
Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphia$45,683$85,656*$86,217$30,000*0.35
Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia$60,663$85,441*$84,218$30,750*0.36
La Salle UniversityPhiladelphia$35,570$84,400*$88,296$27,000*0.32
National Medianβ€”$74,888*β€”$27,000*0.36
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates

Nurse Anesthetists

Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Midwives

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Practitioners

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Registered Nurses

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Acute Care Nurses

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Critical Care Nurses

Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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 Westminster College, approximately 25% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 41 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.