Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing

$28,617Tuition

195Students

$101,466Earnings

Private nonprofit2-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing

Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing operates one of the few remaining hospital-based diploma programs in the country. The school trains registered nurses through direct clinical experience at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford's suburban setting. With just 195 students enrolled, this tight-knit program offers intensive hands-on training that many four-year nursing programs cannot match. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention as students learn directly from practicing nurses and physicians.

Students pay $28,617 in annual tuition regardless of residency status. Nearly half of students receive financial aid, with 48.44% qualifying for Pell Grants. Graduates typically leave with $20,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $212. The investment pays off quickly as new graduates earn a median of $74,995 in their first year. By their tenth year of practice, median earnings reach $101,466, making this one of the stronger financial returns in nursing education.

The student body is 91.28% female, reflecting nursing's gender composition. The program draws a diverse group with 40.51% white students, 21.03% Hispanic, and 18.46% Black students. Nearly 99% of graduates find employment immediately after completing the program. The Roman Catholic affiliation provides an ethical foundation that emphasizes compassionate patient care.

Academics & Faculty

Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing runs a traditional diploma program that trains students to become registered nurses in just two years. The school maintains a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring intensive hands-on instruction in clinical settings. Students work directly in Lawrence General Hospital, gaining real-world experience that translates to strong job prospects. The program produces a 98.9% employment rate among graduates. This hospital-based model differs from traditional college nursing programs by emphasizing practical skills over theory. With only 195 students total, the program creates tight-knit cohorts where everyone knows each other. The Roman Catholic foundation emphasizes compassionate care alongside technical competency in nursing practice.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Full-Time Faculty: 52.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $101,466

Campus Life

This hospital-based program operates within Lawrence Memorial Hospital, just 5 miles northwest of downtown Boston. Students spend their days rotating between clinical floors and small classroom settings with a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. The intimate size of 195 students means everyone knows each other by name within the first semester.

New England winters require heavy coats and snow boots from December through March, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for the short walks between hospital departments. Most students commute from nearby apartments or live at home since this is a commuter-focused program. The 91% female student body reflects nursing's traditional demographics, though the school actively recruits male students who currently make up just 9% of enrollment.

Weekends often involve study groups preparing for NCLEX boards or clinical rotations the following week. The Roman Catholic affiliation influences the school's values-based approach to patient care. Students frequently gather at nearby Medford Square for coffee between shifts or catch Red Sox games via the nearby Green Line extension when schedules permit.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–37°F
July Avg: 62°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.0"
Annual Snowfall: 63.5"

Student Demographics

This small nursing school draws students who are serious about entering healthcare quickly and affordably. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the program's appeal to working-class families seeking stable careers. Women make up over 90% of enrollment, typical for nursing programs but more pronounced than many four-year schools. The student body is diverse, with white students comprising just 40% of enrollment while Black and Hispanic students represent nearly 40% combined. Most students are local to the Boston area, attracted by the hospital's strong reputation and direct pathway into nursing careers.

Men: 8.7%
Women: 91.3%
White: 40.5%
Black: 18.5%
Hispanic: 21.0%
Asian: 4.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 48.4%

Location

Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing sits in Medford, Massachusetts, just five miles north of downtown Boston. The school operates in a densely populated suburban area with over 57,000 residents per square mile. Students have direct access to one of America's top healthcare markets, with Boston hosting world-well-known medical institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital. The greater Boston area employs more than 300,000 healthcare workers across its extensive hospital network. Medford itself blends residential neighborhoods with easy public transit connections to the city. The location puts nursing students at the heart of New England's medical corridor. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing with similar schools in the region.

Address: Medford, Massachusetts 02155

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $101,466
Median Earnings (5 years): $85,870
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $64,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 70.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $212/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the enrollment size at Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing?

The school enrolls just 195 students, creating an intimate learning environment. This hospital-based nursing program maintains a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. The small size allows for personalized attention and hands-on clinical training.

How much does Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing cost?

Tuition costs $28,617 annually for all students regardless of residency status. About 48% of students receive financial aid to help cover expenses. Graduates typically leave with a median debt of $20,000, which is relatively low for nursing programs.

What makes the academic program unique at Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing?

This Roman Catholic institution operates as a traditional hospital-based nursing school offering a diploma program. Students learn directly in clinical settings rather than a traditional college campus. The program follows a semester calendar system and focuses exclusively on preparing registered nurses.

What are the career outcomes for Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing graduates?

Graduates achieve a 98.9% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market demand. Starting salaries average $74,995 in the first year after graduation. By their tenth year in practice, median earnings reach $101,466, reflecting the strong earning potential in nursing.

Where is Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing located?

The school operates in Medford, Massachusetts, a large suburban setting outside Boston. Students train in a real hospital environment rather than a traditional college campus. This location provides access to the greater Boston healthcare network and job opportunities.

What is the student body composition at Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing?

Women make up 91% of the student body, reflecting nursing's demographic trends. The student population is diverse, with 41% white students, 21% Hispanic students, and 18% Black students. Nearly half of all students qualify for Pell Grants, indicating the program serves many first-generation and lower-income students.