Laboure College of Healthcare

Laboure is hyper-focused on healthcare, offering associate and bachelor’s degrees in nursing (its flagship program), plus certificates. The Associate of Science in Health Science provides a generalist foundation, while the RN-to-BSN pathway caters to working nurses. A 2024 merger with Curry College will relocate its nursing programs, but Labouré retains its arts and sciences core curriculum, covering natural and social sciences. The college touts a 5:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring close mentorship—critical for clinical training. Founded in 1892, it’s Boston’s oldest associate-degree nursing program.

This is a commuter-heavy, 88% female campus (per U.S. News), with little traditional collegiate buzz—no dorms (since leaving Dorchester in 2013) and scant Greek life. The vibe is career-focused: students often juggle jobs alongside classes, and the college offers 10% tuition discounts for those working 8–15 hours weekly. Policies emphasize crisis transparency (e.g., timely alerts for campus incidents), and the tight-knit community leans on Catholic traditions. Social life revolves around study groups and clinical rotations, not football games.

Laboure delivers on its career-ready promise: 94% of ASN grads land RN jobs within a year (2022 data), with 49% in acute-care hospitals. The NCLEX-RN pass rate hit 91% in 2024, surpassing national averages. PayScale ranks Labouré #2 nationwide for highest-paying associate degrees, and U.S. News reports a median salary of $64,815 six years post-graduation. The college doesn’t publish four-year graduation rates, but its focus on employability over academia is clear.

At $30,618 annually (tuition and fees), Labouré is pricey for an associate-degree institution, but 10.44% of students receive aid, averaging $5,500 (mostly loans). Scholarships include a 10% discount for working students and need-based grants. Tuition breaks down to $384/credit for RN-BSN courses and $1,051/credit for professional programs. Notably, 50% of students take out loans, with median borrowing at $5,500—suggesting many pay out-of-pocket or via employer support.

Laboure’s singular focus on healthcare—especially its historically strong nursing program—sets it apart. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized clinical training, while its 91% NCLEX pass rate and #2 ranking for associate-degree earnings (per PayScale) validate its ROI. The merger with Curry College may dilute its identity, but for now, it remains a no-frills, high-efficacy option for Boston-area students aiming straight for the healthcare workforce.