Nursing at National American University-Rapid City

Rapid City, SD · Private for-profit · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

with a smaller student body of 832 in Rapid City, SD.

Program Analysis

At $73,942 per year, Nursing graduates from National American University-Rapid City earn slightly above the $69,474 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 24.1x 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 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Nursing graduates.

The median debt load of $16,905 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

At #831 out of 947 programs, National American University-Rapid City's financial outcomes for Nursing trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $73,942 to $75,953 over five years (3% 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.

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
71
Score
72
High End
Earnings $73,942/yr (6% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$774K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
24.1x
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
$32,130
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,905
2.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,953
3% 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 National American University-Rapid City

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 does a 71/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Nursing at National American University-Rapid City?
This program scores 71/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Nursing programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at National American University-Rapid City?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — National American University-Rapid City graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
How affordable is Nursing at National American University-Rapid City?
At $16,905 in median debt, Nursing graduates from National American University-Rapid City carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Nursing graduates?
If National American University-Rapid City'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.
Is there demand for Nursing workers?
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 →