17 Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Programs
| # | School | Net Price | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Caribbean University-Vega Baja
Vega Baja, Puerto Rico
|
$6,310 | $5,966 | 62.5% | |
| 2 |
Universal Technology College of Puerto Rico
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
|
$6,326 | 54.9% | ||
| 3 |
Caribbean University-Bayamon
Bayamon, Puerto Rico
|
$6,392 | $5,966 | 36.7% | |
| 4 |
Caribbean University-Ponce
Ponce, Puerto Rico
|
$6,680 | $5,966 | 41.7% | |
| 5 |
Caribbean University-Carolina
Carolina, Puerto Rico
|
$7,635 | $5,966 | 44.0% | |
| 6 |
Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus
Gurabo, Puerto Rico
|
$7,668 | $6,920 | 30.2% | |
| 7 |
Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro
San Juan, Puerto Rico
|
$8,964 | $5,580 | 31.6% | 46.8% |
| 8 |
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
|
$10,011 | $9,142 | 50.1% | 85.3% |
| 9 |
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, Illinois
|
$12,093 | $36,840 | 59.0% | 84.1% |
| 10 |
St. Joseph's University-New York
Brooklyn, New York
|
$17,622 | $34,535 | 64.2% | 76.7% |
| 11 |
York College of Pennsylvania
York, Pennsylvania
|
$19,685 | $24,606 | 59.7% | 95.6% |
| 12 |
Oklahoma Christian University
Edmond, Oklahoma
|
$21,423 | $25,900 | 55.2% | 96.0% |
| 13 |
Pacific College
Costa Mesa, California
|
$21,941 | 75.9% | 33.3% | |
| 14 |
Oakwood University
Huntsville, Alabama
|
$23,384 | $21,838 | 49.9% | 68.1% |
| 15 |
ATA College
Louisville, Kentucky
|
$26,914 | $13,930 | 33.3% | |
| 16 |
Jersey College
Teterboro, New Jersey
|
$28,490 | 33.9% | 66.0% | |
| 17 |
National University
San Diego, California
|
$31,058 | $13,320 | 50.0% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What explains the dramatic cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?
Caribbean University's $6,310 net cost versus programs costing over $26,000 reflects both geographic location and institutional type. Puerto Rico's lower operating costs allow Caribbean University to offer practical nursing training at a fraction of mainland prices. Private for-profit schools like ATA College charge $26,914, while some private nonprofits reach similar levels despite offering financial aid.
How do graduation rates compare across different price points?
Pacific College achieves the highest graduation rate at 75.9% despite charging $21,941 annually. Caribbean University's programs show mixed results, with Vega Baja graduating 62.5% of students but Bayamon managing only 36.7%. Interestingly, some expensive programs like Universidad Ana G. Mendez graduate just 30.2% of students, proving cost doesn't guarantee completion.
Is the low debt load at Caribbean University programs sustainable for students?
Caribbean University graduates typically carry $15,250 in debt while earning starting salaries around $14,935, creating a debt-to-income ratio that requires careful financial planning. However, many graduates use these credentials to qualify for higher-paying positions on the mainland. The 50-60% graduation rates suggest students can complete these programs successfully when they commit to the coursework.
Does location significantly impact earning potential for nursing assistant graduates?
Geographic pay differences are substantial in this field. St. Joseph's University graduates in Brooklyn average $101,221 annually, while Caribbean University graduates start around $14,935 in Puerto Rico. Nevada's public university option at $10,011 net cost represents a middle ground, with graduates likely earning between these extremes. Cost of living adjustments partially explain these gaps, but opportunities for advancement vary significantly by region.
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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.