Nursing at Columbia College
with a mid-sized student body of 5,359 in Columbia, MO.
Program Analysis
Columbia College's Nursing program produces graduates earning $65,768/yr — within striking distance of the $69,474 national average for this trade.
With a 14.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $25,247 in median debt clears fast against $65,768 in annual earnings.
A #907 ranking among 947 Nursing programs places Columbia College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The limited growth from $65,768 to $71,225 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.
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 Columbia College
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.