Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Concorde Career College-San Bernardino

Concorde Career College-San Bernardino graduates start strong with first-year earnings of $51,132—significantly above the national median of $44,134. However, this program sits squarely in the middle of California's nursing assistant landscape at the 40th percentile, where the state median is $53,040. More concerning is the earnings trajectory: by year four, median earnings drop 12% to $45,158, falling below where graduates started and converging with the national average.

The debt picture is reasonable at $17,421, matching the California median and creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34. With 71% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a predominantly low-income population who need strong returns on their investment. While graduates avoid crushing debt, the declining earnings pattern suggests either job market challenges, credential limitations, or career path issues that merit investigation.

For parents considering this program, the key question is why earnings decline when nursing is typically a stable field. This might indicate that many graduates work as CNAs or LVNs in lower-paying settings rather than advancing their credentials. At this price point, the program isn't a disaster, but California offers substantially better options—several schools consistently place graduates earning $62,000-$66,000 annually. If your child is committed to nursing in Southern California, compare job placement support and pathway programs that could lead to RN credentials, where earnings potential is significantly higher.