Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Centura College-Norfolk

Looking at comparable nursing certificate programs across Virginia, graduates typically earn around $44,500 in their first year—a figure that aligns with what similar programs produce both statewide and nationally. Four years out, the median climbs to $48,207, suggesting modest but steady income growth. For a credential that can be completed relatively quickly, these earnings provide a stable foundation, though they fall well short of what some Virginia peers achieve. Top-performing programs in the state see first-year earnings exceeding $56,000, indicating significant variation in outcomes even within the same field.

The estimated debt load of $20,455 sits above both the state median ($16,182) and national benchmark ($14,803) for this credential. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, graduates would need to allocate roughly half their first-year income to clear this debt—manageable but not trivial, especially given that three-quarters of students here receive Pell grants and likely have limited financial cushion. Peer programs in Virginia demonstrate that lower debt loads are achievable for this same credential.

For families weighing this program, the key question is whether the convenience and location justify paying more than comparable Virginia options. The earnings trajectory appears solid and predictable, but starting with $4,000-$5,000 more debt than typical could matter significantly for students already facing financial constraints. If other accredited LPN programs are accessible nearby, comparing total costs directly would clarify whether this represents good value.