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 gives you a clean financial trade: low borrowing against solid nursing pay. Your median debt sits around $15,438, and ten years out the typical graduate earns roughly $67,290. That gap between what you owe and what you earn is the whole reason to look here.
This is a single-focus nursing school, so the ROI question is really just one question: do you want to be a nurse? If yes, the numbers work. Nursing pay in the Chicago metro is steady and in demand, and $67,290 clears your total debt in under three months of gross earnings. Few schools let you pay back what you borrowed that fast. There is no second major to weigh against nursing, so there is no weak program dragging down the average.
The risk here is specific and real: this is a for-profit school built around a licensure track. Your return depends on finishing the program and passing your nursing boards. If you leave without the credential, you keep the debt and lose the earnings that justify it. That downside is sharper at a school with one career path than at a broad university where you can pivot.
This school fits you if you are committed to nursing and want to limit borrowing. About a third of students here receive Pell Grants, so if you come from a lower-income household, check the net price tier that matches your family income before committing, since that figure changes what you actually pay far more than the sticker cost. Look elsewhere if you are unsure about nursing or want room to switch fields, because there is no fallback major at Ambria.
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.