Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Clearfield County Career and Technology Center

Clearfield County Career and Technology Center's nursing program graduates earn roughly $7,200 less than the typical Pennsylvania nursing graduate—placing this program in the bottom quarter statewide. That gap matters in a field where the median PA graduate already earns over $47,000 their first year. The state's top programs, like Delaware County Technical School, produce graduates earning $66,000, nearly 72% more than what Clearfield grads take home.

The debt load of $14,750 is actually below Pennsylvania's median for nursing programs, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 means graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in less than five months of gross income. That's manageable. However, earnings barely budge over four years—growing just 5% to $40,227—while many nursing careers offer steeper wage trajectories as graduates gain experience and certifications.

For Pennsylvania families, this creates a tough calculation. The program costs less than average and provides entry to a stable field, but it underperforms both state and national benchmarks significantly. If location in Clearfield County is essential, this credential opens doors to nursing work. But families with flexibility should seriously examine higher-performing Pennsylvania programs that could deliver $10,000-$20,000 more in annual earnings for similar or even lower debt.