Nursing at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
71 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
71
Optimistic
71
Base Case
68
Pessimistic
Earnings $73,747/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk High (39% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)
ROI 4.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #744 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 $768K $765K $678K
Earnings Multiple 4.1x 4.1x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 87% 86% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 71 71 68

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$186,352
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$86,332
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,250
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$79,968
8% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $73,747 track close to the $75,273 national median for Nursing programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 4.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,250 in median debt against $73,747 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #744 ranking among 990 Nursing programs places Valparaiso University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $73,747 to $79,968 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University has a 92% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 2,229 in Valparaiso, IN. The average net cost of $86,332 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Valparaiso 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

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 71/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nursing at Valparaiso University?
At 71/100, 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 Valparaiso 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.
What do students actually pay for Nursing at Valparaiso University?
The 54% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $186,352. At a net cost of $86,332, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →