Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration at Ridgewater College
a smaller institution with 2,048 students in Willmar, MN.
Program Analysis
At $59,082/yr, Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration graduates from Ridgewater College land near the $69,474 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
With a 61.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
The median debt load of $15,250 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
A #662 ranking among 947 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs places Ridgewater College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
A 23% earnings increase from $59,082 to $72,623 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration 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% |
About Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration Careers
Your career begins on the front lines as a Registered Nurse. You’ll work in fast-paced hospitals or clinics, monitoring patient vitals on EKG machines, administering medications, and updating electronic health records. After gaining experience, your path can branch. You might pursue advanced clinical practice to become a Nurse Practitioner, where you’ll diagnose conditions, prescribe treatments, and manage your own patient caseload. Alternatively, you could move into leadership as a Health Services Manager, where your day involves managing staff schedules, overseeing budgets, and ensuring your department runs smoothly.
Read the full Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration career guide →
Compare & Explore
Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration Overview
Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration at Other Schools
Other Majors at Ridgewater College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.