Est. Earnings (1yr)
$44,528
Est. from VA median (18 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$11,604
Est. from VA median (5 programs)

Analysis

In Virginia's practical nursing landscape, this program appears positioned right in the middle of the pack. Peer programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $44,500—nearly identical to the national median—though the top performers like Piedmont Virginia Community College demonstrate that significantly higher outcomes are possible in this field. The estimated debt of $11,600 sits comfortably below what similar Virginia programs typically require, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that healthcare employers should help you manage within about three months of full-time work.

The challenge here is that we're working entirely with estimated figures based on comparable nursing programs rather than this school's actual graduate outcomes. For a career-focused credential where job placement and employer relationships matter enormously, that lack of specific data makes it harder to assess what Central School of Practical Nursing delivers versus what other LPN programs in Virginia achieve. The fact that some Virginia schools are producing graduates who earn $15,000-$17,000 more annually suggests that program quality and clinical partnerships vary considerably across the state.

For parents, the relatively modest estimated debt offers some reassurance, but you should press the school directly about their graduates' specific employment rates, where they place students for clinicals, and how their outcomes compare to programs like Piedmont Virginia or the Fortis locations. In nursing, these details determine whether you're paying for solid job preparation or just a credential.

Where Central School of Practical Nursing Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (37 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Central School of Practical NursingNorfolk$44,528*$11,604*
Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeCharlottesville$4,928$61,566**
Standard Healthcare Services-College of NursingFalls Church$56,355*$64,351$14,750*0.26
ECPI UniversityVirginia Beach$18,484$51,209*$46,276$25,250*0.49
Fortis College-NorfolkNorfolk$14,083$50,451*$49,631$20,455*0.41
Fortis College-RichmondRichmond$14,986$50,451*$49,631$20,455*0.41
National Median$44,134*$14,803*0.34
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Central School of Practical Nursing, approximately 30% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 18 similar programs in VA. Actual outcomes may vary.