Nursing at Cox College

Springfield, MO · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
78 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
78
Optimistic
78
Base Case
76
Pessimistic
Earnings $68,174/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk High (39% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)
ROI 11.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #507 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 $730K $728K $650K
Earnings Multiple 11.7x 11.7x 10.4x
Probability of Field Employment 87% 86% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 78 78 76

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$62,396
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,291
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,387
11% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $68,174/yr, Nursing graduates from Cox College land near the $75,273 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 11.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $21,291 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #507 ranking among 990 Nursing programs places Cox College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $68,174 to $75,387 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Cox College

With 71% of applicants admitted, Cox College prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 634 students in Springfield, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Cox College →

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 Cox College

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 78/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nursing at Cox College?
At 78/100, 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 Cox College?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →