Is St. John's College-Department of Nursing Worth It?

St. John's College-Department of Nursing delivers strong financial returns with graduates earning a median of $86,331 annually while carrying just $18,750 in debt. This debt-to-income ratio puts you in a manageable position to pay off loans quickly while building wealth in a stable healthcare career.

The nursing program itself shows mixed results with starting salaries around $55,000, which sits below the national average for new nursing graduates. However, the low debt load helps offset this earnings gap, and nursing salaries typically grow substantially with experience and specialization. Springfield's healthcare market offers steady employment opportunities, though you may find higher-paying positions in Chicago or other major Illinois cities.

Your biggest financial risk here is the limited program variety. With only nursing available, you have no backup options if you change your major or struggle with clinical requirements. The 32% of students receiving aid suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities, so you should expect to pay close to full price unless you qualify for need-based assistance.

This school works best if you are certain about pursuing nursing and value small class sizes over program breadth. The low debt burden makes it particularly attractive for first-generation college students or those from families with limited college savings. However, if you are unsure about nursing or want exposure to other healthcare fields like physical therapy or health administration, larger universities offer more flexibility without significantly higher costs.

Consider this option if you prefer focused nursing education with minimal debt, but look elsewhere if you want program options or higher starting salaries in competitive markets.