Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Cuyahoga Community College District

Cuyahoga Community College's practical nursing certificate produces strong first-year earnings of $48,692—above Ohio's median of $43,207 and ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. Among Ohio's 77 programs, graduates here earn more than the typical program, though they trail top performers like Cincinnati State ($53,908) by about $5,000 annually. The debt load of $19,750 is higher than both the state and national medians, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 remains manageable for an entry-level healthcare credential.

The concerning pattern is the earnings decline to $44,617 by year four—an 8% drop that's unusual for nursing programs. This could reflect graduates moving between healthcare settings or shifts in employment patterns, but with a sample size under 30, it's difficult to know whether this trend is real or simply statistical noise. The small cohort means these numbers might not reliably predict your child's experience.

For families seeking affordable entry into healthcare, this program offers competitive starting pay with debt that can reasonably be managed on an LPN salary. Just recognize that the earnings trajectory appears flat-to-declining rather than growing, and verify current placement rates and typical employer relationships before enrolling. The higher debt relative to similar programs means your child should graduate and start working rather than lingering in school.