Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Community College of Baltimore County

Community College of Baltimore County's practical nursing program delivers first-year earnings nearly 20% above the national median, placing graduates in the 85th percentile nationally—a strong showing that translates to real income advantages. At $52,782, graduates earn roughly $8,600 more than the typical practical nursing graduate nationwide. The debt load of $25,117 is also notably higher than average, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 remains manageable, meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary.

Within Maryland's competitive landscape, the picture becomes more nuanced. While this program performs solidly—landing at the 60th percentile statewide—two nearby community colleges (Howard and Wor-Wic) produce even better outcomes, with Howard grads earning $6,000 more annually. Still, CCBC's program outpaces several Maryland schools while keeping debt reasonable compared to the state median of $21,410.

The main caveat here is the small sample size, which means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. For parents, this looks like a sound investment if their child is set on practical nursing: strong national standing, manageable debt, and earnings that support repayment within a few years. Just know that a couple nearby community colleges might offer slightly better returns.