Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Beckfield College-Florence
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Among Kentucky's 23 practical nursing programs, Beckfield College-Florence stands out dramatically—its graduates earn 56% more than the state median and rank in the 95th percentile statewide. At $48,479 right after graduation, these earnings exceed even the national 75th percentile for this certificate program. Only Galen College of Nursing produces slightly higher earners in Kentucky, and Beckfield does it with relatively manageable debt of $20,502.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 means graduates earn more than twice what they owe, a healthy margin that should allow for reasonable repayment timelines. While the debt is higher than Kentucky's typical $10,898 for this program, the substantial earnings premium more than justifies it—you're paying about $10,000 extra to earn $16,000 more annually. Nationally, this program performs well too, landing in the 69th percentile for earnings while keeping debt lower than 86% of comparable programs.
The modest 2% earnings growth over four years is typical for practical nursing certificates, where graduates enter the workforce at close to full earning potential. For a family seeking reliable, immediate earnings—particularly relevant given that 57% of students here receive Pell grants—this program delivers strong results. The combination of top-tier Kentucky outcomes and below-average debt makes this one of the state's most efficient paths into practical nursing.
Where Beckfield College-Florence Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Beckfield College-Florence graduates compare to all programs nationally
Beckfield College-Florence graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 69th percentile of all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (23 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beckfield College-Florence | $48,479 | $49,461 | $20,502 | 0.42 |
| Galen College of Nursing-Louisville | $46,830 | $49,424 | $16,642 | 0.36 |
| ATA College | $41,553 | $50,873 | $28,849 | 0.69 |
| Sullivan University | $40,909 | $43,242 | $25,959 | 0.63 |
| Hopkinsville Community College | $37,077 | — | $10,898 | 0.29 |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College | $36,053 | $40,505 | $11,000 | 0.31 |
| National Median | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Programs in Kentucky
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kentucky schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galen College of Nursing-Louisville Louisville | — | $46,830 | $16,642 |
| ATA College Louisville | $13,930 | $41,553 | $28,849 |
| Sullivan University Louisville | $14,220 | $40,909 | $25,959 |
| Hopkinsville Community College Hopkinsville | $4,656 | $37,077 | $10,898 |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College Lexington | $4,706 | $36,053 | $11,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Beckfield College-Florence, approximately 57% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.