At $24,655/yr net price, Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing graduates earn $64,383/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,383/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,655 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $98,620 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,383/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,383/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $27,073/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,237/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 | $60,523 | $17,000 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,848 |
The Risk Factor
50.0% of students at Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing 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
Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing does one thing, and that focus drives the whole financial case. This is a single-purpose nursing school, and the money you make afterward depends entirely on which credential you leave with. The associate degree in registered nursing is where the return lives: it pays about $60,500 a year and carries $17,000 in debt, a ratio that clears its own cost comfortably. That's the program worth paying for here.
The practical nursing certificate is the weak spot. At roughly $36,800 a year, it earns about $24,000 less than the RN track. Against a net price near $24,655 annually, the certificate leaves you with a much thinner margin, and it should be treated as a stepping stone toward RN licensure, not a destination.
The main risk is the graduation rate. Half of students finish. If you enroll and don't complete the RN program, you carry the cost without the $60,500 salary that justifies it, and nursing debt with no license is a bad place to land. The Troy and broader Capital Region market supports RN hiring, so completing is the entire game.
The net price tiers should give lower-income families pause. Families earning under $30,000 pay more here ($27,073) than families in the $30,000-$48,000 band ($22,237). If you're at the bottom of the income scale, you are quoted the highest price, which is backward and worth questioning before you enroll.
This school fits you if you're committed to finishing the RN degree and want to work as a nurse in the Albany-Troy area. Look elsewhere if you're unsure about nursing, want a broader field of study, or expect to stop at the practical nursing certificate without continuing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing worth the cost?
With a net price of $24,655 annually and 10-year earnings of $64,383, the school offers decent returns for nursing programs. However, the 50% graduation rate means half of students don't finish, which significantly increases the financial risk.
What is the ROI for Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing programs?
The registered nursing program leads to median earnings of $60,523, making it a solid investment. The practical nursing program pays significantly less at $36,848, which may not justify the cost for some students.
How much debt do Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing graduates have?
The median debt is $15,250, which is relatively manageable for nursing school. This lower debt load helps improve the overall return on investment compared to more expensive nursing programs.
Does Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing have good job prospects?
The school has a 100% acceptance rate, meaning admission is guaranteed but selectivity is low. The bigger concern is the 50% graduation rate, which suggests many students struggle to complete their programs successfully.