Nursing at Widener University

Chester, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
75 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
75
Optimistic
75
Base Case
72
Pessimistic
Earnings $83,528/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk High (39% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)
ROI 4.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #616 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 $931K $927K $797K
Earnings Multiple 4.3x 4.3x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 87% 86% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 75 75 72

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$214,552
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$121,880
43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$97,249
16% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $83,528/yr, edging above the $75,273 national average for Nursing — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

At 4.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 in median debt against $83,528 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #616 ranking among 990 Nursing programs places Widener University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $83,528 to $97,249 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Widener University

Widener University has a 84% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 2,765 students in Chester, PA. The average net cost of $121,880 over four years represents a 43% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Widener 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

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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 75/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nursing at Widener University?
At 75/100, 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 Widener 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →