Nursing at William Rainey Harper College
serving 8,815 students in Palatine, IL.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $70,929/yr, roughly in line with the $69,474 national median for Nursing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
With a 104.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
With first-year pay of $70,929 far exceeding the $11,786 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
William Rainey Harper College ranks #234 among 947 Nursing programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The limited growth from $70,929 to $79,071 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Nursing 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 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% |
Nursing Career Guide
Nursing opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.
Compare & Explore
Nursing Overview
Nursing at Other Schools
Other Majors at William Rainey Harper College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.