Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration at Southwestern Michigan College
with a smaller student body of 1,396 in Dowagiac, MI.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $64,034 track close to the $69,474 national median for Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The 67.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 39% task exposure — and the 19% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration graduates.
At $16,981 in median debt against $64,034 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
At #544 out of 947 programs, Southwestern Michigan College's financial outcomes for Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $64,034 to $79,257 shows 24% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.
Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.
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 Southwestern Michigan College
Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?
Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.