17 Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Programs
| # | School | Net Price | Program Earnings | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
St. Joseph's University-New York
Brooklyn, New York
|
$17,622 | $101,221 | $34,535 | 64.2% | 76.7% |
| 2 |
Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus
Gurabo, Puerto Rico
|
$7,668 | $23,262 | $6,920 | 30.2% | |
| 3 |
Caribbean University-Vega Baja
Vega Baja, Puerto Rico
|
$6,310 | $14,935 | $5,966 | 62.5% | |
| 4 |
Caribbean University-Bayamon
Bayamon, Puerto Rico
|
$6,392 | $14,935 | $5,966 | 36.7% | |
| 5 |
Caribbean University-Ponce
Ponce, Puerto Rico
|
$6,680 | $14,935 | $5,966 | 41.7% | |
| 6 |
Caribbean University-Carolina
Carolina, Puerto Rico
|
$7,635 | $14,935 | $5,966 | 44.0% | |
| 7 |
Jersey College
Teterboro, New Jersey
|
$28,490 | 33.9% | 66.0% | ||
| 8 |
Oakwood University
Huntsville, Alabama
|
$23,384 | $21,838 | 49.9% | 68.1% | |
| 9 |
ATA College
Louisville, Kentucky
|
$26,914 | $13,930 | 33.3% | ||
| 10 |
Pacific College
Costa Mesa, California
|
$21,941 | 75.9% | 33.3% | ||
| 11 |
Universal Technology College of Puerto Rico
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
|
$6,326 | 54.9% | |||
| 12 |
Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro
San Juan, Puerto Rico
|
$8,964 | $5,580 | 31.6% | 46.8% | |
| 13 |
York College of Pennsylvania
York, Pennsylvania
|
$19,685 | $24,606 | 59.7% | 95.6% | |
| 14 |
Oklahoma Christian University
Edmond, Oklahoma
|
$21,423 | $25,900 | 55.2% | 96.0% | |
| 15 |
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
|
$10,011 | $9,142 | 50.1% | 85.3% | |
| 16 |
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, Illinois
|
$12,093 | $36,840 | 59.0% | 84.1% | |
| 17 |
National University
San Diego, California
|
$31,058 | $13,320 | 50.0% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What explains the massive earnings gap between top and bottom programs?
St. Joseph's University-New York graduates earn $101,221 compared to $14,935 at Caribbean University campuses, reflecting regional healthcare markets and scope of practice. New York's higher cost of living and complex healthcare system creates premium opportunities for nursing professionals. Caribbean University's lower earnings align with Puerto Rico's economic conditions, where healthcare wages remain below mainland averages. Geographic location drives much of this $86,000 difference in potential income.
How do graduation rates correlate with program costs?
Pacific College achieves 75.9% graduation rates while charging $21,941, proving that moderate costs can deliver strong outcomes. Caribbean University-Vega Baja graduates 62.5% of students at just $6,310, showing excellent value. However, Jersey College at $28,490 only graduates 33.9% of students, suggesting high costs don't guarantee success. York College maintains 59.7% graduation rates with 95.6% acceptance, balancing accessibility with completion.
Is debt load manageable for practical nursing graduates?
Caribbean University students graduate with $15,250 in debt while earning $14,935 annually, creating challenging debt-to-income ratios near 100%. Universidad Ana G. Mendez students face $28,798 debt against $23,262 earnings, still requiring careful financial planning. Most programs don't report debt data, but federal aid limits typically cap borrowing for certificate programs. Community colleges often offer lower-debt alternatives for practical nursing education.
Where do acceptance rates indicate program competitiveness?
Pacific College accepts only 33.3% of applicants while maintaining 75.9% graduation rates, suggesting selective admissions improve outcomes. Oklahoma Christian and York College accept over 95% of students, indicating open enrollment policies for nursing education. St. Joseph's University-New York accepts 76.7% of applicants yet produces the highest-earning graduates at $101,221 annually. Jersey College's 66% acceptance rate paired with 33.9% graduation suggests admission standards need strengthening.
More Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Rankings
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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.