Median Earnings (1yr)
$48,479
69th percentile
95th percentile in Kentucky
Median Debt
$20,502
38% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Beckfield College-Florence graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Beckfield College-Florence$48,479$49,461+2%
ATA College$41,553$50,873+22%
Jefferson Community and Technical College$33,594$49,671+48%
Galen College of Nursing-Louisville$46,830$49,424+6%
Sullivan University$40,909$43,242+6%

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)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Beckfield College-FlorenceFlorence$13,295$48,479$49,461$20,5020.42
Galen College of Nursing-LouisvilleLouisville—$46,830$49,424$16,6420.36
ATA CollegeLouisville$13,930$41,553$50,873$28,8490.69
Sullivan UniversityLouisville$14,220$40,909$43,242$25,9590.63
Hopkinsville Community CollegeHopkinsville$4,656$37,077—$10,8980.29
Bluegrass Community and Technical CollegeLexington$4,706$36,053$40,505$11,0000.31
National Median—$44,134—$14,8030.34

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants graduates

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.

$62,340/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Nursing Assistants

Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.

$39,430/yrJobs growth:
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.