At $22,209/yr net price, Galen College of Nursing-ARH graduates earn $61,480/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,480/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,209 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,836 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,480/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,480/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,166 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,616/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,031/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,763/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,869/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,731/yr |
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 | $58,358 | $24,808 |
The Risk Factor
44.8% of students at Galen College of Nursing-ARH graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Galen College of Nursing-ARH is a single-program nursing school, and the math works if you finish. The associate nursing degree here leads to about $61,480 in median earnings a decade out, against roughly $24,000 in median debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio is healthy for a two-year credential, and nursing demand in eastern Kentucky is steady, so a Hazard-area RN job is a realistic outcome.
The catch is the graduation rate. Fewer than half of you finish. If you drop out, you still owe the debt but earn nothing extra from the credential, and at a for-profit school with a net price above $22,000 a year, that risk is the real story here. This is not a place to enroll if you are unsure about nursing or about your ability to complete a demanding clinical program.
Because there is only one program, there is no "wrong major" to steer around. Registered Nursing is the entire pitch, and it pays off for you if you graduate and pass licensure.
The net price tiers are unusual: families earning under $30,000 pay less here than middle- and upper-income families, whose net price climbs past $28,000 at the top bracket. Lower income helps you, not hurts you, at this school. Even so, over $20,000 a year for the lowest earners is steep for an associate degree.
This school fits you if you are set on becoming an RN, plan to stay in the region, and are confident you will finish. Look elsewhere if you can get the same associate nursing degree at a community college for far less, since the credential and licensure exam are the same regardless of price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Galen College of Nursing-ARH worth the cost?
With graduates earning $61,480 after 10 years and a net price of $22,209 annually, the school offers decent returns for nursing students. However, the 45% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What is the job market like for Galen College of Nursing-ARH graduates?
Nursing graduates typically find steady employment, and the median earnings of $61,480 reflect reasonable career prospects. The debt load of around $24,166 is manageable compared to many other healthcare programs.
How much debt do Galen College of Nursing-ARH students graduate with?
The median debt is $24,166, which is relatively low for a nursing program. This debt level becomes more manageable with typical nursing salaries starting around $50,000-60,000.
What are the best programs at Galen College of Nursing-ARH for return on investment?
The Registered Nursing program is the strongest option, leading to stable employment in Kentucky's healthcare market. Nursing administration and clinical nursing tracks also provide good career paths but may require additional experience.