Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $71,758 track close to the $75,273 national median for Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The 18.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 39% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
At $23,500 in median debt against $71,758 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
Ranked #279 out of 990 programs, South Dakota State University's Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth is modest: $71,758 to $72,893 over five years (2% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.