Saint Anthony College of Nursing

The current ROI score of -30 suggests that the financial return may not immediately justify the cost of the degree, though median earnings are respectable over a longer period.

Specific graduation rate data was not provided in the dataset for Saint Anthony College of Nursing.

Graduates accrue a median debt of $20,000, and 10 years post-entry, median earnings are $77,709. The negative ROI indicates the debt burden is currently higher relative to the earnings.

As a small institution with 172 students, Saint Anthony College of Nursing likely offers a more intimate learning environment, potentially with smaller class sizes and closer faculty interaction, though this may also mean fewer extracurricular and social opportunities compared to larger universities.

While specific outcomes are not detailed, the median earnings suggest successful placement in roles that lead to a median income of $77,709 after 10 years, likely within the nursing and healthcare fields.

Saint Anthony College of Nursing does not publicly disclose its acceptance rate, which is common for highly specialized institutions or those with limited enrollment. However, given its small size (172 students) and focus on nursing, admission is likely competitive. Nursing programs typically require strong academic performance in prerequisite science courses (biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology), a minimum GPA (often 2.5-3.0 or higher), and sometimes specific entrance exams like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills). Prospective students should also be prepared for a holistic review process that may include essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews, especially to assess their commitment to the nursing profession and suitability for a demanding healthcare environment. To maximize chances of admission, focus on excelling in science coursework, gaining relevant volunteer or work experience in healthcare settings, and clearly articulating your passion for nursing in your application materials. Researching the specific admission requirements on their official website is crucial, as they may have unique prerequisites or application timelines.

The value proposition for Saint Anthony College of Nursing is complex and warrants careful consideration. With a median 10-year earning potential of $77,709 and median debt of $20,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio appears manageable on the surface. However, the significantly negative ROI score of -30 suggests that, on average, graduates are not seeing a substantial financial return on their investment relative to the cost of education and potential earnings over a decade. The annual tuition of $27,811, likely leading to a total program cost of around $55,622 for a typical two-year program, is substantial. While the $20,000 in debt is less than the total tuition, it still represents a significant financial obligation. The median earnings, while decent for a nursing role, may not be high enough to rapidly offset the total educational expenditure, especially when factoring in living expenses and potential interest on loans. Compared to other nursing programs, especially those at larger universities or in areas with higher earning potential, Saint Anthony's financial return may lag. Recommendation: It is not definitively 'worth the money' based on the provided ROI score. It could be a reasonable choice if the student prioritizes a specific, local nursing career path and finds the smaller, specialized environment highly beneficial, but financially, it appears overpriced relative to its long-term return.

As Saint Anthony College of Nursing is a specialized institution, its primary and arguably 'best' major is Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This program is designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and clinical skills necessary for a career as a registered nurse. Given the focus, the curriculum is likely rigorous, emphasizing critical thinking, patient care, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of entry-level nursing positions in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. While specific specializations within the BSN program might exist (e.g., focus on pediatrics, critical care), the core BSN degree itself is the main offering. For those seeking advanced practice, Saint Anthony may offer pathways or recommendations for graduate studies in areas like Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), or Nurse Anesthesia, but these would typically be pursued post-BSN. The strength of the 'major' lies in its direct pipeline to a high-demand healthcare profession, particularly within the Northern Illinois region.

Student life at Saint Anthony College of Nursing is likely characterized by its small size and intense academic focus. With only 172 students, the campus environment is intimate, fostering close relationships among students and with faculty. Social activities may be less numerous and diverse compared to larger universities, with a greater emphasis on academic support and professional development. Students might engage in study groups, participate in nursing-related clubs or organizations, and attend workshops focused on career readiness. Given the demanding nature of nursing education, social life often revolves around shared academic experiences and mutual support. Campus events might include guest lectures from healthcare professionals, skills-building workshops, or community outreach activities. The college may also facilitate connections with local healthcare facilities for volunteer or social events. While traditional campus life with large sporting events or a wide array of extracurriculars might be limited, the close-knit community offers a unique supportive atmosphere for students dedicated to their nursing education.

Saint Anthony College of Nursing, like most private institutions, likely offers a range of financial aid options to help students manage the cost of tuition. This typically includes federal aid (Pell Grants, federal student loans), state aid (Illinois MAP Grant, if applicable), and institutional aid (scholarships and grants funded by the college). Specific institutional scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or targeted towards specific student populations or academic achievements. Given the nursing focus, there might be scholarships specifically for nursing students, potentially funded by alumni donations or healthcare partnerships. While exact figures for the average aid package or percentage of students receiving aid are not provided, prospective students should expect to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine eligibility for federal and state aid. It is highly recommended to contact the Saint Anthony College of Nursing's financial aid office directly to inquire about specific scholarship opportunities, average aid packages, and the process for applying for financial assistance. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information tailored to the college's offerings.

Graduates from Saint Anthony College of Nursing can expect to earn a median salary of approximately $77,709 over a 10-year period post-graduation. This figure represents a 10-year average and actual starting salaries may be lower, typically ranging from $55,000 to $65,000 for entry-level Registered Nurse (RN) positions in the Rockford, IL area. Salaries can vary significantly based on the specific role, employer, and any additional certifications or specializations obtained. For instance, RNs working in critical care units or specialized roles within hospitals like OSF HealthCare or Mercyhealth might start at the higher end of this range or see faster salary growth. Those pursuing advanced practice degrees (e.g., Nurse Practitioner) after their BSN could see significantly higher earning potential, potentially exceeding $90,000-$100,000 annually. The median earnings provided suggest a solid, stable income reflective of the nursing profession's demand, but it's important to note that this is a 10-year average, implying salary growth over time rather than immediate high earnings.

Information regarding on-campus housing or dormitories at Saint Anthony College of Nursing is not readily available, suggesting that the college may not provide traditional student housing. Many smaller, specialized nursing colleges, particularly those focused on graduate or adult learners, do not operate traditional dormitory facilities. Students may be expected to arrange their own off-campus housing in the Rockford area. This could involve renting apartments individually or with roommates. The advantage of this arrangement is flexibility in choosing living situations and potentially lower costs compared to on-campus housing fees. However, it also means students are responsible for finding and securing their own accommodation, which can be an added challenge. Prospective students should verify directly with the college's admissions or student affairs office regarding housing options, whether on-campus facilities exist, or if they provide resources or assistance for finding off-campus housing in Rockford.

Saint Anthony College of Nursing, being a small, specialized institution focused primarily on undergraduate nursing education, is unlikely to be a major hub for extensive, independent student research on par with large research universities. Its primary mission is to prepare competent, practice-ready nurses. While students may engage in research projects as part of their coursework, particularly in their senior capstone or thesis projects, the opportunities for groundbreaking, faculty-led research with significant student involvement may be limited. The college likely emphasizes evidence-based practice, encouraging students to critically evaluate and apply existing research findings in their clinical work. Faculty may be involved in practice-based research within their clinical roles at affiliated hospitals, and students might have opportunities to assist or learn from these endeavors. However, if a student's primary goal is to pursue a research-intensive career in nursing or to be deeply involved in cutting-edge scientific discovery during their undergraduate studies, larger universities with dedicated research centers and extensive faculty research portfolios would likely offer more robust opportunities.

Saint Anthony College of Nursing occupies a niche as a small, private, nursing-focused institution in Northern Illinois. When compared to similar schools, its primary competitors would be other nursing programs within the region, including departments within larger universities like the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) or Loyola University Chicago, or other specialized nursing colleges. Advantages of Saint Anthony often lie in its smaller class sizes, potentially leading to more personalized attention and a closer-knit community, which can be beneficial for students who thrive in such environments. Its location in Rockford offers a lower cost of living compared to Chicago-based peers, potentially making the overall cost of education and living more manageable. However, disadvantages are significant. Larger universities like UIC or Loyola offer broader academic programs, more extensive research opportunities, larger alumni networks, and potentially more diverse clinical rotation sites and specializations. Saint Anthony's smaller scale may also mean fewer resources, less brand recognition nationally, and potentially a more limited scope of advanced practice pathways directly available on campus compared to comprehensive university nursing schools. Its ROI score also suggests a weaker financial return compared to some peers.

Employers in the healthcare sector, particularly within the Northern Illinois region, likely view a degree from Saint Anthony College of Nursing positively, especially for entry-level Registered Nurse (RN) positions. Local healthcare systems such as OSF HealthCare and Mercyhealth, which are major employers in Rockford and surrounding areas, often have established relationships with nursing schools in their vicinity. They value graduates who are well-prepared for clinical practice, possess strong critical thinking skills, and demonstrate a commitment to patient care. Given Saint Anthony's specialized focus, employers can generally expect graduates to have a solid foundation in nursing fundamentals. The small size of the college may also mean that employers are familiar with the quality of its graduates. However, the brand recognition of Saint Anthony College of Nursing is likely more localized compared to larger, nationally recognized universities. While employers respect the degree for its intended purpose, a graduate from a more prominent university might have a slight edge in highly competitive or specialized roles, or in geographic areas outside of Saint Anthony's immediate recruitment sphere. The negative ROI score might also subtly influence employer perception regarding the overall value proposition of the education, though direct employer feedback on this is rarely solicited.