Nursing at Laurel Ridge Community College

Middletown, VA · Public · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

a compact campus enrolling 3,167 students in Middletown, VA.

Program Analysis

At $69,986/yr, Nursing graduates from Laurel Ridge Community College land near the $69,474 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 74.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 39% task exposure — and the 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Nursing graduates.

The median debt load of $16,824 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #455 out of 947 programs, Laurel Ridge Community College's Nursing offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $69,986 to $73,312 over five years (5% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

Nursing connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

83 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
78
Low End
83
Score
83
High End
Earnings $69,986/yr (1% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$738K
1.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
74.9x
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)
$9,856
Out-of-state: $21,862
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,824
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,312
5% 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

What can you do with a Nursing credential from Laurel Ridge Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Laurel Ridge Community College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Nursing at Laurel Ridge Community College?
This program scores 83/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Nursing nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
What's the AI risk for Nursing graduates from Laurel Ridge Community College?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Laurel Ridge Community College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
How affordable is Nursing at Laurel Ridge Community College?
At $16,824 in median debt, Nursing graduates from Laurel Ridge Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Nursing program at Laurel Ridge Community College?
If Laurel Ridge Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 4 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Nursing. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the job market like for Nursing from Laurel Ridge Community College?
With approximately 292,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Nursing offers a very large employment pool. Laurel Ridge Community College graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →