Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Beal University

Beal University's LPN program reports some of the highest starting salaries in the nation—$72,467 puts graduates in the 95th percentile nationally, nearly $21,000 above the typical associate-level nursing program. That's genuinely impressive income for a two-year credential. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably with more data, and you're looking at the only program of its kind reported in Maine, which limits meaningful state comparisons.

The debt load of $40,814 is substantial—more than double the national median for similar programs. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 suggests graduates could manage these loans with careful budgeting, that's still a significant financial commitment for an associate degree. The high Pell grant percentage (64%) indicates many students here come from lower-income backgrounds, making that debt burden even more consequential if earnings don't hold steady.

Given the small cohort, treat these numbers as preliminary rather than definitive. If your child is considering this program, ask the school for more detailed outcomes data and try to connect with recent graduates directly. The earnings potential looks strong on paper, but you'll want confirmation that it's consistent before committing to debt levels this high for a two-year nursing credential.