Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Blue Hills Regional Technical School

First-year earnings of $54,098 place Blue Hills graduates well above the national average for practical nursing programs, though debt figures here come from comparable Massachusetts technical schools rather than this school's own reporting. Based on similar programs in the state, you're looking at roughly $11,800 in debt—a manageable burden that translates to just 22 cents owed for every dollar earned in year one. That's a strong return compared to many certificate programs, and it suggests graduates can realistically tackle their loans on an LPN's salary.

The challenge is context. While Blue Hills performs solidly against national benchmarks, it sits in the middle of the pack for Massachusetts, where top technical schools produce first-year earnings exceeding $67,000. The $13,000 gap between Blue Hills and the state's highest earners isn't trivial—it represents real differences in job placement, employer relationships, or regional healthcare markets. With 52% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on this program to deliver maximum value, and peer programs in the state demonstrate there's room for stronger outcomes.

For families focused purely on return on investment, this remains a low-debt path into a stable healthcare career. Just know that other Massachusetts technical schools appear to position their LPN graduates for significantly higher starting salaries, and it's worth understanding why before committing.