Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Wor-Wic Community College

Wor-Wic's nursing program graduates start strong—earning above the national average for associate-degree nurses—but something shifts by year four, when median pay drops to $62,931. That 11% earnings decline is unusual in nursing, where salaries typically grow steadily. While the $16,750 in debt is manageable (lower than both state and national medians), this program ranks in just the 40th percentile among Maryland nursing programs, well behind competitors like Prince George's Community College ($89,437) and Baltimore County ($75,725). Maryland's strong nursing market makes this relative underperformance more notable.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 means graduates could theoretically pay off loans in under three months of gross income, which is excellent. However, parents should understand why earnings might decline rather than grow—whether graduates are moving to part-time work, leaving the field, or facing regional wage constraints in the Salisbury area. Given that 41% of students receive Pell grants, many families are counting on this credential to deliver sustained earning power.

For students committed to staying in the Eastern Shore region, this program offers a clear path into nursing without excessive debt. But families should compare carefully: other Maryland community colleges deliver $10,000-25,000 more in annual earnings four years out, which compounds significantly over a nursing career. If location flexibility exists, those alternatives merit serious consideration.