Nursing at College of the Redwoods

Eureka, CA · Public · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

a compact campus enrolling 3,514 students in Eureka, CA.

Program Analysis

College of the Redwoods Nursing graduates command $98,703/yr out of the gate, well above the $69,474 national median. That 42% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 450.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Nursing programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Nursing's career paths, with 39% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 0% gap from the optimistic case.

At #31 of 947 nationally, this is a top-5% Nursing program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $100,830 are relatively flat compared to the $98,703 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

There are 4 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Nursing, including Home Health Director (median $117,960/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

91 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
85
Low End
91
Score
92
High End
Earnings $98,703/yr (42% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$1,033K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
450.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$2,294
Out-of-state: $15,566
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$100,830
2% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Nursing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Nurse anesthetists $223,210 +8.6% 83%
Nurse practitioners $129,210 +40.1% 52%
Nurse midwives $128,790 +11.1% 61%
Nurse anesthetists
$223,210
+8.6% growth 83% AI-proof
Nurse practitioners
$129,210
+40.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Nurse midwives
$128,790
+11.1% growth 61% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Nursing Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for Nursing — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from College of the Redwoods and 946 other schools.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does College of the Redwoods's Nursing program score?
This program scores 91/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Nursing nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at College of the Redwoods?
AI exposure of 39% is a real factor. For College of the Redwoods specifically, the gap between optimistic ($1,032,652) and pessimistic ($1,032,652) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
Why does College of the Redwoods rank so high for Nursing?
The #31 ranking out of 947 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Nursing?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Nursing. For students weighing College of the Redwoods's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Nursing workers?
The very large job market (292,500 annual openings) works in favor of Nursing graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →