Nursing at University of West Alabama

Livingston, AL · Public · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

University of West Alabama accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 2,666 students in Livingston, AL.

Program Analysis

University of West Alabama's Nursing program produces graduates earning $66,312/yr — within striking distance of the $69,474 national average for this trade.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 31.6x 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 0% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $20,750 in median debt clears fast against $66,312 in annual earnings.

Ranked #782 of 947 Nursing programs, University of West Alabama falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $66,588 are relatively flat compared to the $66,312 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.

72 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
68
Low End
72
Score
73
High End
Earnings $66,312/yr (-5% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$694K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
31.6x
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)
$21,980
Out-of-state: $40,180
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,750
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,588
0% 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

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of West Alabama's Nursing program score?
At 72/100, 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.
How vulnerable is Nursing to AI automation?
Our scenarios model 39% of Nursing tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. University of West Alabama's 72/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Nursing graduates?
Beyond University of West Alabama's classroom route, 4 registered apprenticeships map to Nursing careers — including Home Health Director. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Will Nursing graduates from University of West Alabama find jobs?
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 →