Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $86,600 at Western Connecticut State University come in 15% above the national median of $75,273 for Nursing programs.
With a 17.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
With first-year pay of $86,600 far exceeding the $26,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Western Connecticut State University ranks #120 among 990 Nursing programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The limited growth from $86,600 to $93,863 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.