Compare 220 Nursing Science. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $67,654.
The highest-earning Nursing Science program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $29K earnings gap across 221 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Saint Mary's University Of Minnesota leads with graduates earning $104,496—well above the $67,661 regional average. Close behind, Governors State University produces graduates earning $97,713, proving that program excellence exists beyond traditional prestige hierarchies.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Governors State University graduates borrow $18,618 and face just a 3.4% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income.
Highest program earnings: $104,496
Strong outcomes with 89% acceptance
3.4% payment burden | Excellent
6.3% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $104,496 | 21 | $21,500 | Excellent | $14,676 | Excellent | |
| #2 | $97,713 | 42 | $18,618 | Excellent | $13,991 | Excellent | |
| #3 | Mckendree UniversityPrivate | $82,082 | 55 | $23,250 | Excellent | $22,582 | Good |
| #4 | Benedictine UniversityPrivate | $81,995 | 97 | $22,500 | Excellent | $22,900 | Good |
| #5 | Chicago State UniversityPublic | $81,928 | 38 | $30,625 | Excellent | $13,256 | Good |
| #6 | Baker CollegePrivate | $81,833 | 197 | $25,000 | Excellent | $9,540 | Good |
| #7 | St Catherine UniversityPrivate | $79,667 | 148 | $24,181 | Excellent | $21,883 | Good |
| #8 | Graceland University-LamoniPrivate | $79,605 | 96 | $21,212 | Excellent | $16,646 | Good |
| #9 | $79,153 | 16 | $20,000 | Excellent | $37,277 | Manageable | |
| #10 | Webster UniversityPrivate | $79,081 | 35 | $23,000 | Excellent | $13,587 | Good |
| #11 | Alma CollegePrivate | $78,690 | 23 | $27,000 | Excellent | $45,109 | Challenging |
| #12 | Lewis UniversityPrivate | $78,313 | 121 | $21,500 | Excellent | $23,044 | Good |
| #13 | Augsburg UniversityPrivate | $77,817 | 52 | $25,347 | Excellent | $17,901 | Good |
| #14 | $77,525 | 46 | $18,585 | Excellent | $9,812 | Excellent | |
| #15 | Loyola University ChicagoPrivate | $77,492 | 487 | $24,157 | Excellent | $54,045 | Challenging |
| #16 | North Park UniversityPrivate | $76,478 | 73 | $25,500 | Excellent | $24,179 | Manageable |
| #17 | $76,288 | 76 | $20,000 | Excellent | $10,000 | Good | |
| #18 | Ottawa University-OttawaPrivate | $76,207 | 25 | $21,500 | Excellent | $20,600 | Good |
| #19 | $76,016 | 92 | $18,500 | Excellent | $13,480 | Good | |
| #20 | $75,731 | 262 | $25,000 | Excellent | $12,953 | Good | |
| #21 | Bethel UniversityPrivate | $75,417 | 143 | $21,500 | Excellent | $24,157 | Manageable |
| #22 | $75,350 | 312 | $20,000 | Excellent | $16,000 | Good | |
| #23 | $75,243 | 655 | $21,229 | Excellent | $14,984 | Good | |
| #24 | Roosevelt UniversityPrivate | $75,231 | 19 | $22,000 | Excellent | $27,213 | Manageable |
| #25 | Elmhurst UniversityPrivate | $75,182 | 64 | $20,489 | Excellent | $27,470 | Manageable |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
