Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Florida Academy of Nursing

In Florida's crowded practical nursing market—with 110 programs competing for students—comparable programs suggest first-year earnings around $41,000 against roughly $10,000 in debt. That's a manageable 0.24 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe about three months' salary. For a field with steady demand and quick entry into the workforce, these numbers from peer programs paint a reasonable picture.

The challenge is context. Top-performing Florida programs like Florida State College at Jacksonville and Meridian College report actual earnings above $54,000—nearly $13,000 more than what similar programs to Florida Academy suggest. That gap matters when you're entering a profession where higher starting salaries can significantly accelerate debt payoff and financial stability. With two-thirds of students here receiving Pell grants, many families are counting on quick returns.

The relatively low estimated debt is a plus, particularly compared to the national median of nearly $15,000 for these programs. But without actual graduate outcomes from this specific school, you're making a decision with incomplete information. Before committing, insist on concrete placement rates and ask the school directly about where their graduates actually work and what they earn—not what state averages suggest they might.