Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Clinton Essex Warren Washington BOCES

Clinton Essex Warren Washington BOCES produces graduates who earn less than typical LPNs both nationally and across New York—starting at $39K versus $45K statewide—but the debt load of $14K is relatively modest and manageable. The 40th percentile ranking among New York programs suggests this is a below-average performer in a state where nursing outcomes vary widely, with top programs like Transitions Career Institute producing graduates earning $66K.

The 16% earnings bump from year one to year four is encouraging and brings graduates closer to state norms by mid-career, suggesting the initial earnings gap may narrow over time. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, graduates should be able to repay loans without serious financial stress, even at the lower starting salary. However, the small sample size here is important—fewer than 30 graduates were tracked, so individual circumstances could skew these numbers significantly.

For families committed to staying in the North Country region where this BOCES operates, local job availability and lower living costs may offset the earnings disadvantage. But if your child has options to attend higher-performing New York nursing programs without dramatically increasing costs, those would likely offer better financial returns. The program works as an affordable entry point to nursing, just not a particularly lucrative one.