Is Xavier College School of Nursing Worth It?

Xavier College School of Nursing gives you one financial bet: a practical nursing certificate that pays about $49,600 a year against roughly $16,700 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio works. Your first-year salary covers your borrowing more than twice over, which is the kind of math that makes a short credential worth it.

The catch is that this is the only program with earnings data, and it's a certificate, not a degree. You are training for one job in one field. If vocational nursing is your goal and you can pass licensing, the return holds up in Stockton's healthcare market. If you're unsure about nursing, there is no fallback major here to pivot into.

The real risk is the net price. At $18,620 a year for a two-year program, you're paying close to $37,000 total for a credential you could earn cheaper at a community college. As a for-profit school, Xavier charges private-school prices for a vocational certificate. Median debt stays low at $16,652, which suggests you're covering part of the cost some other way, but the sticker cost is high for what you get.

Family income barely changes what you pay. A family earning $30-48k pays $16,538. a family earning over $110k pays $19,661. That flat pricing means lower-income families get little discount here, so the net price hits hardest if money is tight.

This school fits you if you're committed to becoming a licensed vocational nurse, want to finish fast, and can complete the program and pass the exam. Look elsewhere if you're exploring careers, want a bachelor's degree, or can access the same certificate at a public school for less. The earnings are solid. the price is the part to question.