Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,290/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,290/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,438 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $65,711 | $30,500 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $50,606 | $9,500 |
Analysis
Ambria College of Nursing delivers solid financial returns for a specialized nursing school, with graduates earning $67,290 annually while carrying relatively low debt loads of $15,438. The school's focus on nursing education pays off in Illinois's strong healthcare job market.
Your program choice makes a significant difference here. The RN program generates $65,711 in median earnings but saddles you with $30,500 in debt, creating a manageable but substantial loan burden. The practical nursing track offers a faster path to employment at $50,606 annually with just $9,500 in debt, making it the stronger financial play for debt-averse students.
The school's biggest financial risk is its for-profit status, which typically means higher costs and fewer financial aid options than public alternatives. Only 32% of students receive aid, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities. You'll likely pay closer to sticker price than at schools with larger endowments.
Ambria works best financially if you're career-focused and want to enter nursing quickly in the Chicago metro area, where healthcare demand supports strong salaries. The location in Hoffman Estates puts you near major hospital systems that actively recruit new graduates.
Skip this school if you're unsure about nursing as a career path or if you qualify for substantial aid at public nursing programs. The specialized curriculum offers little flexibility if you change direction, and the for-profit structure means you're paying premium prices for focused training rather than a broader educational experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ambria College of Nursing worth the cost?
For most nursing students, yes. With median debt of just $15,438 and graduates earning $67,290 after 10 years, the debt-to-income ratio is manageable at about 23%.
What is the return on investment for Ambria College of Nursing graduates?
The ROI is solid for registered nursing programs, with graduates earning $65,711 annually against low debt loads. However, practical nursing graduates earn significantly less at $50,606, making the math tighter.
How much debt do Ambria College of Nursing students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $15,438, which is well below the national average for nursing schools. This low debt burden makes the program financially accessible for most students.
Which Ambria College of Nursing programs offer the best financial outcomes?
Registered nursing, nursing administration, and nursing research programs provide the strongest returns with salaries around $65,711. Practical nursing pays considerably less, so consider your career goals carefully.