Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Daytona State College

Daytona State's practical nursing program launches graduates into decent first-year earnings at $45,712—about 12% above Florida's median for these programs and solidly in the 60th percentile statewide. The debt load of $19,776 is higher than both state and national medians, but at 43% of first-year earnings, it remains manageable if that income trajectory held steady.

The problem is it doesn't. Earnings drop nearly 20% by year four, falling to $36,996. This downward slide is puzzling for a nursing field where experience typically commands higher pay, and it means graduates are earning less than many Florida programs' starting salaries. Whether this reflects graduates stepping back from full-time work, leaving the field, or hitting a ceiling in LPN roles, it's a pattern that makes the debt harder to justify. Top performers like Florida State College at Jacksonville show what's possible—$57,579—though they may serve different markets.

For parents, the calculation hinges on immediate job placement needs versus long-term career stability. If your child needs quick entry into healthcare with reasonable starting pay, this works. But the earnings decline means those loan payments won't get easier over time, and graduates may need to pursue RN credentials eventually anyway. At minimum, understand this as a shorter-term credential rather than a four-year earnings ramp.