Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research at Finger Lakes Community College - SUNY Office of Community Colleges

Graduates from Finger Lakes Community College's nursing programs can expect a positive earnings trajectory. The median earnings one year after graduation stand at $65,010, increasing to $71,869 after five years and reaching $81,200 after ten years. However, when adjusted for purchasing power, the five-year salary equivalent nationally is approximately $54,446.21, reflecting the higher cost of living in New York, which has a cost-of-living index of 1.32 compared to the national average of 1.0. This indicates that while initial earnings are promising, the purchasing power may be less favorable than in other regions.

The top industries for graduates predominantly fall within Health Care & Social Assistance, accounting for 29.1% and 23.8% of employment, respectively, with Retail Trade at 11.9%. The estimated break-even point for choosing this educational path over a high-school-only route is approximately 5.2 years, suggesting a reasonable return on investment for those pursuing careers in nursing. Overall, the data indicates that while the initial financial benefits are significant, the long-term financial viability may vary based on location and industry choices.