Nursing at Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
85 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
85
Optimistic
85
Base Case
82
Pessimistic
Earnings $83,894/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk High (39% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)
ROI 15.4x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #244 of 990 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs Top 25%

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 $804K $801K $704K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.5x 15.4x 13.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.9x 6.9x 6.1x
Probability of Field Employment 87% 86% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 85 85 82

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,988
Out-of-state: $116,292 (6.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,604
-11% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,476
1.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$84,931
1% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $83,894/yr, edging above the $75,273 national average for Nursing — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 15.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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

At $13,476 in median debt against $83,894 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Washington State University ranks #244 among 990 Nursing programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $83,894 to $84,931 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Washington State University

Washington State University has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 21,583 students enrolled in Pullman, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington State University →

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 Washington State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 85/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nursing at Washington State University?
At 85/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at Washington State University?
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.
Is Washington State University one of the best schools for Nursing?
Among 990 Nursing programs, Washington State University's #244 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →