Galen College of Nursing-ARH: $15,860 Tuition

$15,860Tuition

424Students

45%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$61,480Earnings

#1 in KentuckyPrivate forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Galen College of Nursing-ARH

Galen College of Nursing focuses entirely on preparing students for healthcare careers, with 424 students enrolled at its remote campus in Hazard, Kentucky. This specialized nursing college serves students who want direct entry into healthcare without the distractions of a traditional four-year university experience. The quarter system means you move through coursework quickly, and the 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures plenty of individual attention from instructors who understand the demands of nursing education.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $22,209 regardless of family income, since tuition stays flat at $15,860 for everyone. While 90.85% of students need federal loans, graduates typically earn $61,480 ten years after starting school. Most students graduate with $24,166 in debt and monthly loan payments of $256. The employment rate hits 98.4%, which reflects the high demand for nurses, but the 44.80% six-year graduation rate suggests this program challenges many students.

The student body is overwhelmingly female (87.03%) and entirely from Kentucky, creating a tight-knit community of future nurses. Every single student comes from in-state, which means you'll be studying alongside people who understand the local healthcare needs and will likely work in Kentucky hospitals and clinics after graduation.

Academics & Faculty

Galen College of Nursing focuses entirely on nursing education, making it a specialized healthcare training institution rather than a traditional college. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means you get close attention from instructors who are practicing nurses themselves. However, the 44.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenging nature of nursing programs, where students must pass rigorous clinical requirements and state licensing exams. The school operates on a quarter system, which accelerates coursework but requires intense focus. With 87.03% of students being women, the campus mirrors the nursing profession's demographics. Students here aren't exploring different majors but committing fully to becoming registered nurses in a condensed, hands-on program.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 64.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 44.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $61,480

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Campus Life

Hazard sits in the heart of Kentucky's Appalachian Mountains, about 150 miles southeast of Louisville and surrounded by rolling hills and coal mining country. You'll need a winter coat here, as mountain winters bring snow and temperatures that can drop into the 20s, while summers stay comfortably in the 80s. With just 424 students and a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, everyone knows each other by name within the first few weeks.

This is a commuter school where 100% of students come from Kentucky, so most live at home or in nearby apartments rather than dorms. The campus focuses entirely on getting you ready for nursing careers, which shows in the employment rate of 98.4%. With 87% women, the atmosphere tends to be collaborative and study-focused rather than party-centered. Weekends often involve clinical rotations at local hospitals or group study sessions for the demanding nursing coursework. Students frequently gather at local diners or drive to nearby Lexington (about 90 minutes away) for shopping or entertainment. The quarter system keeps things moving fast, with little downtime between intense nursing modules.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Quarter

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 24°–43°F
July Avg: 65°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 51.5"
Annual Snowfall: 8.8"

Student Demographics

This is a local nursing school that serves the mountains of eastern Kentucky. With 87% women and every single student coming from in-state, it draws people from coal country who want to stay close to home while training for healthcare jobs. The 70% Pell Grant rate shows it serves working-class families who see nursing as a reliable path to middle-class income. Students here are typically older, practical-minded people who need flexible scheduling and want jobs that will always be in demand in rural areas.

Men: 13.0%
Women: 87.0%
White: 86.6%
Black: 0.2%
Hispanic: 0.9%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 70.2%

Location

Galen College of Nursing sits in Hazard, Kentucky, a small Appalachian town about 100 miles southeast of Lexington. The college draws all of its 424 students from within Kentucky, making it purely a local institution serving eastern Kentucky's healthcare needs. Hazard lies in the heart of coal country, surrounded by rolling mountains and tight-knit communities that have long struggled with economic challenges. The town-remote setting means students get a quiet, focused environment for their nursing studies, though entertainment options are limited. This location works well for students who want to stay close to home while training for healthcare careers in rural areas. Students considering colleges in Kentucky may also compare Galen College of Nursing-ARH with similar schools in the region.

Address: Hazard, Kentucky 41701-9519

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $61,480
Median Earnings (5 years): $71,805
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $43,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 40.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $256/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,166

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at Galen College of Nursing-ARH?

The college enrolls 424 students, with women making up 87% of the student body. All students are Kentucky residents, and 86.6% are white, reflecting the demographics of rural eastern Kentucky where the school serves the healthcare workforce needs.

How much does Galen College of Nursing-ARH cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $22,209 annually, regardless of whether they're from in-state or out-of-state since tuition is $15,860 for everyone. About 70% of students receive financial aid, though only 9% receive institutional grants averaging $6,975.

What are the academics like at Galen College of Nursing-ARH?

The college operates on a quarter system with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for hands-on nursing instruction. This specialized nursing school focuses exclusively on healthcare training programs, preparing students for careers in the medical field.

What job prospects do graduates from Galen College of Nursing-ARH have?

Graduates achieve a 98.4% employment rate and earn a median salary of $67,307 one year after graduation. The strong job market for nurses means graduates typically find work quickly, though the 6-year graduation rate is 44.8%.

Where is Galen College of Nursing-ARH located?

The college sits in Hazard, Kentucky, a remote town in the heart of Appalachian coal country. This location serves students from eastern Kentucky's rural communities who want to stay close to home while pursuing nursing careers.

How much debt do students typically graduate with from Galen College of Nursing-ARH?

Graduates leave with a median debt of $24,166 and monthly loan payments of $256. About 91% of students take federal loans, but the strong earning potential in nursing helps with a 40.5% loan repayment rate within three years.