Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Erwin Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
hillsboroughschools.org/erwinAnalysis
Erwin Technical College's practical nursing program places graduates solidly in the middle of Florida's competitive nursing market, outperforming the state median by nearly $4,000 while keeping debt manageable at $13,651. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.32, most graduates can realistically pay off their loans within the first year of work—a compelling advantage for families watching education costs.
The 60th percentile ranking among Florida programs tells an important story: this isn't a top-tier option like Florida State College at Jacksonville or nearby Pinellas Tech (both generating $47,000+ in first-year earnings), but it performs better than most alternatives in the state. The modest 6% earnings growth to $44,893 by year four suggests steady, if unspectacular, career progression. For context, the program sits slightly below the national median, indicating Florida's practical nursing wages may lag other regions.
The real calculus here is straightforward: your child can enter the workforce quickly with relatively low debt and start earning a living wage immediately. While higher-earning programs exist nearby, Erwin Tech's combination of below-average debt and above-average Florida earnings creates a practical path into healthcare. For families prioritizing quick workforce entry over maximizing long-term earnings potential, this represents a solid, low-risk investment.
Where Erwin Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Erwin Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erwin Technical College | $42,515 | $44,893 | +6% |
| Herzing University-Orlando | $47,310 | $55,934 | +18% |
| Herzing University-Tampa | $47,310 | $55,934 | +18% |
| HCA Florida Mercy Hospital School of Practical Nursing | $31,784 | $52,046 | +64% |
| ATA Career Education | $41,553 | $50,873 | +22% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (110 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Erwin Technical CollegeTampa | — | $42,515 | $44,893 | $13,651 | 0.32 |
 Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville | $2,878 | $57,579 | — | $19,000 | 0.33 |
 Meridian CollegeSarasota | — | $54,072 | — | — | — |
 Herzing University-OrlandoWinter Park | $13,420 | $47,310 | $55,934 | $22,586 | 0.48 |
| Herzing University-TampaTampa | $13,420 | $47,310 | $55,934 | $22,586 | 0.48 |
 Pinellas Technical College-St. PetersburgSaint Petersburg | — | $47,306 | — | $17,485 | 0.37 |
| National Median | — | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Erwin Technical College, approximately 33% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 110 graduates with reported earnings and 92 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.