Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Aiken Technical College

This certificate comes with an estimated $22,500 in debt—significantly above the $14,803 national median for practical nursing programs and among the highest in South Carolina. That's a substantial burden for a credential where comparable programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $47,500.

The debt-to-earnings picture here merits careful consideration. While the estimated income aligns with South Carolina's median for practical nursing, several in-state alternatives produce stronger outcomes with the same earnings potential but presumably lower debt loads. York Technical College graduates earn $54,238 in their first year, while programs at Tri-County and Orangeburg Calhoun also show notably higher earnings—all suggesting there may be more efficient paths to the same career in South Carolina.

For families where 45% of students need Pell grants, the estimated debt level is particularly concerning. Practical nursing offers solid, stable employment, but starting a healthcare career with above-average debt undermines those advantages. Before committing, compare specific costs and completion rates across South Carolina's technical colleges. The nursing license is the same regardless of where you earn it, so finding a program that delivers comparable preparation with less debt makes financial sense.