Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit LPN Career

Central Susquehanna's LPN program produces graduates earning about $6,000 less than the typical Pennsylvania LPN—roughly $41,700 versus the state median of $47,600. That gap matters in a field where earnings are already modest, and the state's top programs demonstrate what's possible: several Pennsylvania schools see their graduates earning $55,000 or more. While the debt load here is reasonable at $15,472 (actually lower than Pennsylvania's median for LPN programs), the earnings trajectory is concerning—graduates see their income essentially flatline or dip slightly over the first four years rather than grow.

For context, this program sits at the 40th percentile among Pennsylvania LPN programs and 39th percentile nationally, placing it solidly below average on both measures. The 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates start with debt equivalent to about four and a half months of income, which is manageable. However, half the students here receive Pell grants, suggesting many families have limited financial cushion to absorb even modest debt if job prospects don't pan out as expected.

The bottom line: if your child is committed to becoming an LPN in central Pennsylvania and this program offers geographic convenience, the debt burden won't be crushing. But families should know they're choosing a below-average program in a state with demonstrably stronger options, and the earnings data suggests graduates may face regional labor market limitations that the program doesn't overcome.