2021 Highest Paid Nursing Graduates
Finding the Best Nursing School for You
With 154,540 bachelor's degrees handed out in 2018-2019, nursing is the #2 most popular major in the United States.
Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Highest Paid Nursing Graduates ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.
This year's Highest Paid Nursing Graduates ranking analyzed 840 colleges that offered a bachelor's degree in nursing.
The numbers used in this ranking are early career salaries, which we define to be 10 years after a student started college. This is the salary typically earned 4-6 years after graduation, but may be different depending on how long a person takes to complete their degree.
Featured schools near , edit
How Much Do Nursing Majors Make After Graduation?
After graduation, nursing majors from schools in the United States earn an average salary of $62,245 per year. This is 56% higher than the average college graduate, who only makes around $39,802 a year.
College Combat
In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.
2021 Highest Paid Nursing Grads in the United States
The highest paid nursing majors graduate from the following colleges and universities.
Top 25 Best Schools for Highly Paid Nursing Graduates
Our rankings recognize Sonoma State University as the #1 school in this year's rankings. Located in the large suburb of Rohnert Park, SSU is a public school with a medium-sized student population. Nursing majors who obtain their bachelor's from the school make an average salary of $110,300.
After completing their bachelor's degree, nursing graduates from SSU carry an average student debtload of $15,011. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $130, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.
Request Information
Our rankings recognize California State University - East Bay as the #2 school in this year's rankings. Located in the suburb of Hayward, California State University - East Bay is a public college with a large student population. Students who receive their bachelor's in nursing from the school go on to jobs that make an average salary of $109,500.
On average, nursing graduates from California State University - East Bay take out $18,849 in student loans while working on their bachelor's degree. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $174.
Request Information
Our rankings recognize California State University - Sacramento as the #3 school in this year's rankings. Located in the large city of Sacramento, California State University - Sacramento is a public college with a fairly large student population. Students who receive their bachelor's in nursing from the school go on to jobs that make an average salary of $106,600.
Nursing majors at California State University - Sacramento take out an average of $17,638 in student loans while working on their bachelor's degree. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $176.
Full Nursing at California State University - Sacramento Report
Request Information
Our rankings recognize Samuel Merritt University as the #4 school in this year's rankings. Samuel Merritt University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the large city of Oakland. The average salary for a student who gets a bachelor's degree in nursing from the school is $102,400.
While working on their bachelor's, nursing majors at Samuel Merritt University accumulate an average of around $18,813 in student debt. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $195.
Request Information
Mercy College comes in at #5 in this year's ranking. Located in the suburb of Dobbs Ferry, Mercy is a private not-for-profit school with a fairly large student population. Students who receive their bachelor's in nursing from the school go on to jobs that make an average salary of $98,600.
The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at Mercy take out while working on their bachelor's is $23,506. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $246, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
Request Information
Pacific College landed the #6 spot in our 2021 rankings for highest paid nursing school. Pacific College is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the medium-sized city of Costa Mesa. Students who receive their bachelor's in nursing from the school go on to jobs that make an average salary of $98,400.
The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at Pacific College take out while working on their bachelor's is $11,149. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $130, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.
Read full report on Nursing at Pacific College
Request Information
University of Providence landed the #7 spot in our 2021 rankings for highest paid nursing school. Located in the city of Great Falls, University of Providence is a private not-for-profit college with a fairly small student population. Nursing majors who obtain their bachelor's from the school make an average salary of $97,000.
After completing their bachelor's degree, nursing graduates from University of Providence carry an average student debtload of $14,054. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $130, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.
Request Information
Our rankings recognize California State University - Stanislaus as the #8 school in this year's rankings. Located in the small suburb of Turlock, Cal State Stanislaus is a public school with a large student population. Students who receive their bachelor's in nursing from the school go on to jobs that make an average salary of $96,800.
Nursing majors at Cal State Stanislaus take out an average of $19,720 in student loans while working on their bachelor's degree. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $230.
Request Information
Our rankings recognize SUNY Downstate Medical Center as the #9 school in this year's rankings. Downstate Medical Center is a small public school located in the large city of Brooklyn. Upon graduating with a bachelor's degree, nursing majors make an average salary of $94,800.
While working on their bachelor's, nursing majors at Downstate Medical Center accumulate an average of around $12,581 in student debt. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $130, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.
Full Nursing at SUNY Downstate Medical Center Report
Request Information
San Francisco State University earned the #10 spot in our 2021 rankings. SFSU is a fairly large public school located in the city of San Francisco. Students who receive their bachelor's in nursing from the school go on to jobs that make an average salary of $94,700.
After completing their bachelor's degree, nursing graduates from SFSU carry an average student debtload of $17,728. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $186, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
Request Information
The #11 spot in this year's ranking belongs to California State University - Chico. Chico State is a large public school located in the small city of Chico. Students who receive their bachelor's in nursing from the school go on to jobs that make an average salary of $93,500.
The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at Chico State take out while working on their bachelor's is $19,449. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $194, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.
Request Information
Our rankings recognize St. Francis College as the #12 school in this year's rankings. Located in the city of Brooklyn Heights, SFC is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population. The average salary for a student who gets a bachelor's degree in nursing from the school is $93,300.
After completing their bachelor's degree, nursing graduates from SFC carry an average student debtload of $23,323. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $259, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
Full Nursing at St. Francis College Report
Request Information
Helene Fuld College of Nursing comes in at #13 in this year's ranking. HFCN is a fairly small private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. Upon graduating with a bachelor's degree, nursing majors make an average salary of $92,900.
After completing their bachelor's degree, nursing graduates from HFCN carry an average student debtload of $25,683. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $259, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
Full Nursing at Helene Fuld College of Nursing Report
Request Information
New York University earned the #14 spot in our 2021 rankings. Located in the city of New York, NYU is a private not-for-profit school with a very large student population. Upon graduating with a bachelor's degree, nursing majors make an average salary of $91,800.
After completing their bachelor's degree, nursing graduates from NYU carry an average student debtload of $18,589. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $209.
Full Nursing at New York University Report
Request Information
Dominican University of California landed the #15 spot in our 2021 rankings for highest paid nursing school. DUofC is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Rafael. The average salary for a student who gets a bachelor's degree in nursing from the school is $91,600.
Nursing majors at DUofC take out an average of $31,119 in student loans while working on their bachelor's degree. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $322, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.
Request Information
CUNY Hunter College earned the #16 spot in our 2021 rankings. Located in the large city of New York, Hunter is a public college with a fairly large student population. Upon graduating with a bachelor's degree, nursing majors make an average salary of $91,100.
Nursing majors at Hunter take out an average of $17,019 in student loans while working on their bachelor's degree. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $156, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
Full Nursing at CUNY Hunter College Report
Request Information
The #17 spot in this year's ranking belongs to LIU Post. Located in the suburb of Brookville, LIU Post is a private not-for-profit school with a fairly large student population. Upon graduating with a bachelor's degree, nursing majors make an average salary of $90,900.
On average, nursing graduates from LIU Post take out $28,852 in student loans while working on their bachelor's degree. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $262, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
Request Information
Farmingdale State College landed the #18 spot in our 2021 rankings for highest paid nursing school. Located in the suburb of Farmingdale, SUNY College of Technology at Farmingdale is a public college with a medium-sized student population. Upon graduating with a bachelor's degree, nursing majors make an average salary of $90,900.
While working on their bachelor's, nursing majors at SUNY College of Technology at Farmingdale accumulate an average of around $21,346 in student debt. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $201.
Full Nursing at Farmingdale State College Report
Request Information
Our rankings recognize Wagner College as the #19 school in this year's rankings. Wagner is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Staten Island. The average salary for a student who gets a bachelor's degree in nursing from the school is $90,700.
The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at Wagner take out while working on their bachelor's is $22,855. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $259, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
Read full report on Nursing at Wagner College
Request Information
CUNY Medgar Evers College comes in at #20 in this year's ranking. Located in the large city of Brooklyn, Medgar is a public college with a moderately-sized student population. Nursing majors who obtain their bachelor's from the school make an average salary of $89,900.
After completing their bachelor's degree, nursing graduates from Medgar carry an average student debtload of $11,140. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $117.
Full Nursing at CUNY Medgar Evers College Report
Request Information
New York Institute of Technology comes in at #21 in this year's ranking. Located in the suburb of Old Westbury, NYIT is a private not-for-profit college with a medium-sized student population. Students who receive their bachelor's in nursing from the school go on to jobs that make an average salary of $89,800.
While working on their bachelor's, nursing majors at NYIT accumulate an average of around $30,523 in student debt. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $323.
Full Nursing at New York Institute of Technology Report
Request Information
Pacific Union College earned the #22 spot in our 2021 rankings. Located in the rural area of Angwin, PUC is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population. The average salary for a student who gets a bachelor's degree in nursing from the school is $89,700.
On average, nursing graduates from PUC take out $32,179 in student loans while working on their bachelor's degree. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $322, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.
Read full report on Nursing at Pacific Union College
Request Information
College of Staten Island CUNY earned the #23 spot in our 2021 rankings. CSI is a fairly large public school located in the large city of Staten Island. The average salary for a student who gets a bachelor's degree in nursing from the school is $89,500.
While working on their bachelor's, nursing majors at CSI accumulate an average of around $19,113 in student debt. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $183.
Request Information
San Jose State University landed the #24 spot in our 2021 rankings for highest paid nursing school. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State is a public college with a very large student population. Nursing majors who obtain their bachelor's from the school make an average salary of $89,400.
While working on their bachelor's, nursing majors at San Jose State accumulate an average of around $16,455 in student debt. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $143, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
Request Information
California State University - Dominguez Hills earned the #25 spot in our 2021 rankings. Located in the small city of Carson, California State University - Dominguez Hills is a public school with a large student population. Nursing majors who obtain their bachelor's from the school make an average salary of $89,400.
The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at California State University - Dominguez Hills take out while working on their bachelor's is $18,494. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $174.
Request InformationRest of the Top 50 Schools for Highest Paid Nursing Graduates
Remaining Award Winners
This list represents the rest of the colleges awarded a Highest Paid Nursing Graduates badge. Showing in this list means the school was ranked in the top 15% of the 840 different United States nursing schools we analyzed.
Additional Noteworthy Schools
Here are some additional great schools for Nursing students seeking high pay that almost earned our Highest Paid Nursing Graduates award.
Nursing by Region
View the Highest Paid Nursing Graduates for a specific region near you.
Region |
---|
Southeast |
New England |
Rocky Mountains |
Plains States |
Middle Atlantic |
Far Western US |
Southwest |
Great Lakes |
Nursing Related Rankings by Major
Nursing is one of 34 different types of Health Professions programs to choose from.
Most Popular Related Majors
Related Major | Annual Graduates |
---|---|
Health & Medical Administrative Services | 17,317 |
Public Health | 16,962 |
Health Sciences & Services | 16,503 |
Communication Sciences | 11,326 |
Allied Health Professions | 11,092 |
View All Nursing Related Majors >
Notes and References
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
- Credit for the banner image above goes to Aleksahgabrielle.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs ... Learn More > |
![]() |
Purdue University
Building on Purdue’s mission to provide greater access to affordable, world-class education, Purdue University Global delivers a fully personalized online experience that’s tailored to working adults. By opening the doors to adults who need flexibility to fit learning into their busy lives, we make it possible to achieve a high-quality education from the prestigious Purdue University system—completely online ... Learn More > |
![]() |
Grand Canyon University (GCU)
With a spotlight on intellectual creativity and innovation for the 21stcentury, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at GCU provides a job focused education. It blends the study of traditional humanities in a modern context. Through academic inquiry and beyond the box thinking, the college advances our society and its accomplishments ... Learn More > |
![]() |
Northcentral University
Northcentral University (NCU) was founded to provide accessible, high-quality, online graduate degrees to working professionals. As a regionally accredited, online university, NCU serves students worldwide, focusing on Doctoral and Master's degree programs in the Schools of Business and Technology Management, Education, Psychology, and Marriage and Family Sciences ... Learn More > |
![]() |
Colorado Technical University (CTU)
CTU could help you connect to what matters most: a powerful professional community, aculty who are real-world professionals, and innovative technology ... Learn More > |