Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Eastwick College-Hackensack

Eastwick College-Hackensack charges above-average debt for a practical nursing program—$23,565 versus $17,644 statewide—but delivers outcomes that may not fully justify the premium. While graduates earn $58,986 in their first year, placing them in the 95th percentile nationally, that same salary lands at just the 60th percentile among New Jersey's 26 nursing programs. In other words, you're paying more than typical for results that are merely middle-of-the-pack locally.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 is manageable, and graduates can expect to pay off loans within reasonable timeframes. However, several nearby alternatives offer comparable or better earnings with lower borrowing: Essex County College and Holy Name Medical Center's program both exceed $62,000 in first-year earnings, and Essex likely comes with community college pricing. The modest 3% earnings growth to year four also suggests limited advancement potential compared to some career paths.

For families weighing this program, the question becomes whether convenience or specific program features justify the cost difference. The school serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (76%), and the certificate opens doors to immediate employment in a stable field. But if your child qualifies for comparable programs at lower cost, particularly at community colleges or hospital-based schools, those options merit serious consideration before committing to Eastwick's higher debt load.