Nursing degree programs produce graduates with career earnings ranging from $139,795 at top-performing institutions to $20,140 at entry-level programs. Across 699 nursing programs nationwide, this significant variation in outcomes underscores why program selection directly impacts healthcare careers and long-term earning potential.
Leading the list is California State University-East Bay, achieving the highest program earnings at $139,795. The top three programs—California State University-East Bay, Dominican University Of California ($132,781), and San Francisco State University ($132,542)—demonstrate how BSN programs can deliver exceptional median earnings that position graduates for leadership roles in healthcare careers.
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hayward, CA | $139,795 Median Nursing Earnings | $8,059 | 96.8% | 45.5% | |
| #2 | San Rafael, CA | $132,781 Median Nursing Earnings | $45,630 | 95.6% | 76.3% | |
| #3 | San Francisco, CA | $132,542 Median Nursing Earnings | $9,307 | 96.2% | 50.1% | |
| #4 | San Jose, CA | $130,227 Median Nursing Earnings | $9,743 | 80.2% | 64.6% | |
| #5 | University Of San FranciscoPrivate | San Francisco, CA | $127,245 Median Nursing Earnings | $31,741 | 50.8% | 71.1% |
| #6 | Sonoma State UniversityPublic | Rohnert Park, CA | $124,083 Median Nursing Earnings | $9,406 | 94.7% | 60.5% |
| #7 | Sacramento, CA | $123,869 Median Nursing Earnings | $7,306 | 93.6% | 55.8% | |
| #8 | Seaside, CA | $122,142 Median Nursing Earnings | $9,654 | 94.8% | 63.2% | |
| #9 | Fresno Pacific UniversityPrivate | Fresno, CA | $119,148 Median Nursing Earnings | $13,059 | 57.5% | 55.9% |
| #10 | Carson, CA | $115,301 Median Nursing Earnings | $2,624 | 91.3% | 46.9% | |
| #11 | St. Francis CollegePrivate | Brooklyn, NY | $114,191 Median Nursing Earnings | $17,889 | — | 52.3% |
| #12 | Mercy UniversityPrivate | Dobbs Ferry, NY | $113,576 Median Nursing Earnings | $13,092 | 85.5% | 48.1% |
| #13 | Pacific Union CollegePrivate | Angwin, CA | $112,642 Median Nursing Earnings | $14,903 | 42.5% | 51.5% |
| #14 | Cuny Lehman CollegePublic | Bronx, NY | $112,500 Median Nursing Earnings | $2,047 | 55.4% | 49.3% |
| #15 | Farmingdale, NY | $111,965 Median Nursing Earnings | $3,865 | 69.1% | 57.1% | |
| #16 | Turlock, CA | $111,925 Median Nursing Earnings | $3,218 | 97.5% | 58.0% | |
| #17 | Northridge, CA | $110,342 Median Nursing Earnings | $5,153 | 93.2% | 56.2% | |
| #18 | Wagner CollegePrivate | Staten Island, NY | $109,601 Median Nursing Earnings | $22,751 | 83.5% | 68.1% |
| #19 | Brooklyn, NY | $109,153 Median Nursing Earnings | $4,741 | 83.4% | 22.3% | |
| #20 | Long Island UniversityPrivate | Brookville, NY | $108,509 Median Nursing Earnings | $20,478 | 89.8% | 55.4% |
