Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Career Networks Institute

Career Networks Institute graduates start strong with $93,384 in first-year earnings—crushing the national median by nearly $25,000. But here's the puzzle: despite these impressive initial numbers, the program ranks only at the 40th percentile among California nursing programs, where schools like Unitek and Yuba regularly produce graduates earning $115,000+. For a state where ADN programs typically carry just $15,625 in debt, Career Networks' $33,486 price tag—more than double—demands scrutiny.

The earnings trajectory adds another wrinkle. While graduates start well above national standards, incomes actually decline 6% by year four to $87,413, falling further behind top California programs whose graduates see steady growth. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 isn't catastrophic, but it's notably higher than what many comparable California programs achieve. Nearly half of students here receive Pell grants, meaning many families are financing this premium through federal aid.

The value calculation is straightforward: your child will likely earn good money as a nurse, but several dozen California programs deliver similar or better outcomes at half the cost. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to choose Career Networks—location, scheduling, support services—the data suggests shopping around. California's community college ADN programs, in particular, offer exceptional value in this field.