Nursing at College of the Desert
serving 8,900 students in Palm Desert, CA.
Program Analysis
Graduates of College of the Desert's Nursing program earn $91,848/yr in their first year — 32% above the $69,474 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.
With a 450.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 20% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
College of the Desert ranks #15 among 947 Nursing programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
A 26% earnings increase from $91,848 to $115,416 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Nursing careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Nursing graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse anesthetists | $223,210 | +8.6% | 83% |
| Nurse practitioners | $129,210 | +40.1% | 52% |
| Nurse midwives | $128,790 | +11.1% | 61% |
Nursing Career Guide
Nursing opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.
Compare & Explore
Nursing Overview
Nursing at Other Schools
Other Majors at College of the Desert
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