Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at White Mountains Community College
Associate's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How White Mountains Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
White Mountains Community College graduates earn $67k, placing them in the 43th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates 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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Mountains Community College | $67,257 | — | $26,875 | 0.40 |
| River Valley Community College | $75,282 | $65,248 | $27,824 | 0.37 |
| NHTI-Concord's Community College | $74,512 | $63,574 | $25,006 | 0.34 |
| Great Bay Community College | $73,908 | $66,042 | $28,371 | 0.38 |
| St Joseph School of Nursing | $71,623 | $72,920 | $24,167 | 0.34 |
| Rivier University | $65,499 | $61,517 | $38,500 | 0.59 |
| National Median | $68,409 | — | $20,751 | 0.30 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in New Hampshire
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Hampshire schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| River Valley Community College Claremont | $6,940 | $75,282 | $27,824 |
| NHTI-Concord's Community College Concord | $7,200 | $74,512 | $25,006 |
| Great Bay Community College Portsmouth | $7,200 | $73,908 | $28,371 |
| St Joseph School of Nursing Nashua | $22,978 | $71,623 | $24,167 |
| Rivier University Nashua | $37,791 | $65,499 | $38,500 |
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.