Nursing at Skagit Valley College

Mount Vernon, WA · Public · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

a smaller institution with 2,581 students in Mount Vernon, WA.

Program Analysis

At $71,639/yr, Nursing graduates from Skagit Valley College land near the $69,474 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 68.9x 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 3% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $19,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #515 of 947 Nursing programs, Skagit Valley College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $76,797 are relatively flat compared to the $71,639 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.

82 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
77
Low End
82
Score
82
High End
Earnings $71,639/yr (3% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$776K
1.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
69.0x
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)
$11,240
Out-of-state: $15,122
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$76,797
7% 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 Skagit Valley 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 Skagit Valley 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 Skagit Valley College?
At 82/100, the score looks reasonable — but Nursing is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Will AI affect Nursing careers?
Our scenarios model 39% of Nursing tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Skagit Valley College's 82/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
How affordable is Nursing at Skagit Valley College?
At $19,000 in median debt, Nursing graduates from Skagit Valley College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Nursing program at Skagit Valley College?
If Skagit Valley 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 Skagit Valley College?
With approximately 292,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Nursing offers a very large employment pool. Skagit Valley 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 →