Median Earnings (1yr)
$67,257
43rd percentile
40th percentile in New Hampshire
Median Debt
$26,875
30% above national median

Analysis

White Mountains Community College's nursing program places graduates at the lower end of New Hampshire's nursing market, earning roughly $5,500 less than the state median and trailing most community college alternatives in-state. At the 40th percentile among NH nursing programs, it's notably behind nearby Great Bay ($73,908) and River Valley ($75,282), though the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means individual circumstances could significantly skew these numbers.

The upside here is manageable debt. At $26,875, borrowing sits right at New Hampshire's typical level for nursing programs and well below the national median when adjusted for the degree type. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 means graduates earn enough in their first year to cover their total debt 2.5 times over—a workable starting point for loan repayment. With over a third of students receiving Pell grants, the college clearly serves students who need affordable pathways into healthcare.

For families considering this program, the question is whether the $67,000 starting salary justifies attending when stronger-performing community colleges exist elsewhere in New Hampshire. If location in Berlin is essential or you're confident your child will outperform the median, the debt burden won't be crushing. But if flexibility exists, programs at River Valley or NHTI offer better earning potential with similar costs.

Where White Mountains Community College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How White Mountains Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (9 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
White Mountains Community CollegeBerlin$7,050$67,257$26,8750.40
River Valley Community CollegeClaremont$6,940$75,282$65,248$27,8240.37
NHTI-Concord's Community CollegeConcord$7,200$74,512$63,574$25,0060.34
Great Bay Community CollegePortsmouth$7,200$73,908$66,042$28,3710.38
St Joseph School of NursingNashua$22,978$71,623$72,920$24,1670.34
Rivier UniversityNashua$37,791$65,499$61,517$38,5000.59
National Median$68,409$20,7510.30

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 White Mountains Community College, approximately 36% 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 27 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.