Nursing at Otero College

Graduates earn $74,179/yr, edging above the $69,474 national average for Nursing — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 88.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Nursing programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Nursing's career paths, with 39% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 1% gap from the optimistic case.

At $17,592 in median debt against $74,179 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #292 of 947 Nursing programs, Otero College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $77,553 are relatively flat compared to the $74,179 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

There are 4 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Nursing, including Home Health Director (median $117,960/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.