Nursing at Portland Community College
enrolling 18,365 students in Portland, OR.
Program Analysis
Portland Community College's Nursing graduates start at $78,033/yr — above the $69,474 national average, though not by a wide margin.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 100.7x 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 20% gap from the optimistic case.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $21,634 in median debt clears fast against $78,033 in annual earnings.
At #199 of 947 nationally, this is a top-5% Nursing program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Earnings grow from $78,033 to $98,021 over five years — a 26% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
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.
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
From day-one roles to senior positions, Nursing careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.
Compare & Explore
Nursing Overview
Nursing at Other Schools
Other Majors at Portland Community College
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.