Nursing at Stephen F Austin State University

Nacogdoches, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
86 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
86
Optimistic
86
Base Case
83
Pessimistic
Earnings $74,683/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (39% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)
ROI 19.5x earnings multiple (10.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #194 of 990 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs Top 25%

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 $830K $827K $723K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.6x 19.5x 17.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.0x 10.0x 8.7x
Probability of Field Employment 87% 86% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 86 86 83

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$42,400
Out-of-state: $82,720 (10.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,608
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$86,054
15% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $74,683/yr, Nursing graduates from Stephen F Austin State University land near the $75,273 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 19.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% 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 $25,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Stephen F Austin State University ranks #194 among 990 Nursing programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $74,683 to $86,054 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Stephen F Austin State University

With 88% of applicants admitted, Stephen F Austin State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 8,746 in Nacogdoches, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Stephen F Austin State 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 Stephen F Austin State 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 86/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nursing at Stephen F Austin State University?
At 86/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at Stephen F Austin State 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 Stephen F Austin State University one of the best schools for Nursing?
Among 990 Nursing programs, Stephen F Austin State University's #194 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →