Nursing at Clarke University

Dubuque, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
63 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
63
Optimistic
63
Base Case
62
Pessimistic
Earnings $62,676/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk High (39% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #947 of 990 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Nursing graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $619K $618K $569K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.9x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 87% 86% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 63 62

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$158,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$80,272
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,990
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,675
2% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $62,676 place Clarke University below the $75,273 national median for Nursing — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 3.9x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $62,676 far exceeding the $26,990 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #947 ranking among 990 Nursing programs places Clarke University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $62,676 to $63,675 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Clarke University

A 68% admission rate makes Clarke University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a smaller student body of 782 in Dubuque, IA. The average net cost of $80,272 over four years represents a 49% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Clarke University →

Top Career Paths

Nurse anesthetists $223,210/yr
Nurse practitioners $129,210/yr
Nurse midwives $128,790/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Clarke University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 63/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nursing at Clarke University?
At 63/100, the score looks reasonable — but Nursing is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at Clarke University?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Clarke University a good choice for Nursing despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Clarke University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →