Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Angeles Institute

Angeles Institute's nursing program places graduates into solid first-year positions at $52,303—well above the national median of $44,134. However, that 40th percentile ranking among California programs tells a more sobering story: while you're doing fine compared to the country overall, you're in the bottom half of what California nursing programs deliver. Consider that top California programs like Unitek College and Medical Allied Career Center place graduates earning $66,000+, about $14,000 more annually.

The bigger concern is what happens next. Earnings drop 9% by year four to $47,412, which is unusual in a field where experience typically commands higher pay. This backward trajectory could reflect limited career advancement opportunities, perhaps because LVN roles have a lower ceiling than RN positions. The debt load of $17,783 is manageable at 34% of first-year earnings, and notably, 61% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the school serves students who might have fewer alternatives.

For families prioritizing immediate employment in nursing, this program works—you'll be earning and the debt won't crush you. But if your child has the academic credentials for an RN program instead, that path typically offers stronger long-term earnings. Among California LVN programs specifically, you'd be settling for middle-of-the-pack outcomes when significantly better options exist at the same credential level.