Nursing at Whatcom Community College

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

a smaller institution with 2,280 students in Bellingham, WA.

Program Analysis

Whatcom Community College's Nursing graduates start at $82,805/yr — above the $69,474 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 86.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #344 ranking among 947 Nursing programs places Whatcom Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Nursing careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

85 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
80
Low End
85
Score
86
High End
Earnings $82,805/yr (19% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$83K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
87.1x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$10,292
Out-of-state: $22,192
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,022
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

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 Whatcom Community College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Nursing at Whatcom Community College?
At 85/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
What's the AI risk for Nursing graduates from Whatcom Community College?
Our scenarios model 39% of Nursing tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Whatcom Community College's 85/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Nursing program at Whatcom Community College?
There are 4 registered apprenticeships connected to Nursing occupations, such as Home Health Director and Long Term Care Nurse Management. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Nursing graduates?
With approximately 292,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Nursing offers a very large employment pool. Whatcom Community 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 →