Nursing at Columbia Basin College

Pasco, WA · Public · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

a smaller institution with 4,226 students in Pasco, WA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $77,785 at Columbia Basin College come in 12% above the national median of $69,474 for Nursing programs.

With a 65.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $77,785 far exceeding the $11,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #514 ranking among 947 Nursing programs places Columbia Basin College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $77,785 to $79,073 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Nursing careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

82 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
77
Low End
82
Score
82
High End
Earnings $77,785/yr (12% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$814K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
65.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$12,388
Out-of-state: $16,478
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000
1.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$79,073
2% growth from Year 1

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%
Nurse anesthetists
$223,210
+8.6% growth 83% AI-proof
Nurse practitioners
$129,210
+40.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Nurse midwives
$128,790
+11.1% growth 61% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Nursing Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Nursing careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Columbia Basin College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Nursing at Columbia Basin College?
This program scores 82/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Nursing programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
How vulnerable is Nursing to AI automation?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Columbia Basin College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What's the typical debt for Nursing graduates from Columbia Basin College?
Median debt of just $11,000 against $77,785/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 2 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Nursing graduates?
Beyond Columbia Basin College's classroom route, 4 registered apprenticeships map to Nursing careers — including Home Health Director. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
What's the job market like for Nursing from Columbia Basin College?
The very large job market (292,500 annual openings) works in favor of Nursing graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →