Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research at Prairie State College

The earnings trajectory for graduates in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Research at Prairie State College shows a steady increase over time. One year after graduation, median earnings are reported at $72,663.00, rising to $80,210.00 after five years and reaching $91,213.00 by the ten-year mark. When adjusted for purchasing power, the five-year salary equivalent nationally stands at $87,374.73, indicating that graduates can expect their earnings to maintain a competitive edge relative to national averages, despite the cost of living index in Illinois being slightly lower than the national average.

Graduates predominantly enter the Health Care & Social Assistance sector, with 41.0% in the first year, 38.3% by the fifth year, and 25.4% by the tenth year. This concentration in a stable industry suggests a strong return on investment (ROI) for those pursuing a nursing career, particularly when considering the estimated break-even point of approximately 4.2 years compared to a high school-only path. Overall, the data indicates that pursuing a career in nursing at Prairie State College can yield significant long-term financial benefits and job security in a growing field.