Nursing at Lees-McRae College

Banner Elk, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
74 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
74
Optimistic
74
Base Case
72
Pessimistic
Earnings $69,776/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk High (39% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)
ROI 6.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #652 of 990 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Nursing graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $801K $799K $702K
Earnings Multiple 6.4x 6.4x 5.6x
Probability of Field Employment 87% 86% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 74 74 72

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$124,560
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$103,060
17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,339
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$82,456
18% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $69,776/yr, Nursing graduates from Lees-McRae College land near the $75,273 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 6.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $19,339 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #652 ranking among 990 Nursing programs places Lees-McRae College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $69,776 to $82,456 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Lees-McRae College

With 81% of applicants admitted, Lees-McRae College prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 817 in Banner Elk, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Lees-McRae College →

Top Career Paths

Nurse anesthetists $223,210/yr
Nurse practitioners $129,210/yr
Nurse midwives $128,790/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Lees-McRae College

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nursing at Lees-McRae College?
At 74/100, the score looks reasonable — but Nursing is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at Lees-McRae College?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →