Program Analysis
Graduates earn $71,758/yr, roughly in line with the $75,273 national median for Nursing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 18.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 39% task exposure — and the 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
With first-year pay of $71,758 far exceeding the $24,966 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #280 out of 990 programs, University of South Dakota's Nursing offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth is modest: $71,758 to $73,993 over five years (3% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.