Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Clover Park Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Clover Park Technical College's practical nursing program stands out in Washington's crowded nursing market, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $53,065—roughly $2,000 above the state median. Nationally, graduates land in the 85th percentile, earning nearly $9,000 more than typical program completers. The debt load of $16,205 translates to a manageable 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe about four months of their starting salary.
The slight earnings dip to $52,159 by year four shouldn't alarm parents—this is common in nursing assistant and LPN roles where pay peaks early due to the nature of shift work and overtime opportunities. What matters more is that even four years out, graduates still earn above both state and national medians for the field. The moderate sample size gives reasonable confidence in these outcomes.
For families considering technical college routes into healthcare, this program delivers solid financial value: below-average debt paired with above-average earnings. Your child would start earning a livable wage within months of graduation while carrying manageable student loans. If the goal is quick entry into healthcare with minimal debt burden, this represents one of the stronger practical nursing options in Washington.
Where Clover Park Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Clover Park Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Clover Park Technical College graduates earn $53k, placing them in the 85th percentile of all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Washington (29 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clover Park Technical College | $53,065 | $52,159 | $16,205 | 0.31 |
| Olympic College | $48,850 | — | $15,333 | 0.31 |
| National Median | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Programs in Washington
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Washington schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic College Bremerton | $4,197 | $48,850 | $15,333 |
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 Clover Park Technical College, approximately 18% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 74 graduates with reported earnings and 91 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.