Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology

Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology's nursing assistant program starts at $41,624—below Pennsylvania's median of $47,572 and ranking in just the 40th percentile statewide. More troubling is where earnings head next: they drop 14% to $35,800 by year four, even as many nursing careers typically see upward mobility. This downward trajectory suggests graduates may be stuck in entry-level positions or facing local market constraints that limit advancement opportunities.

The $19,279 in debt sits above the state median, creating a challenging equation when paired with declining earnings. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 seems manageable initially, it worsens considerably as salaries fall. Compare this to top Pennsylvania programs like Delaware County Technical School, where graduates earn $65,986—nearly double what CPI graduates make four years out.

For families considering this program, the gap matters. Pennsylvania has 53 nursing assistant programs, and this one ranks in the bottom half for outcomes while charging above-average debt. The school serves many Pell-eligible students (61%), but that mission doesn't change the financial math. Unless geographic constraints make this the only realistic option, parents should explore alternatives—particularly community colleges or vocational programs with stronger track records of graduate earnings. The combination of below-average starting pay and declining wages makes this a difficult investment to justify.