Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Florida Gateway College

Florida Gateway College's nursing certificate program starts stronger than most Florida LPN programs—graduates earn $44,489 in their first year, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide and slightly above the national median. The $10,605 in typical debt is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.24. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) means these figures could shift significantly with more data, so consider them a preliminary snapshot rather than a definitive picture.

The concerning pattern here is the earnings trajectory: salaries drop to $40,749 by year four, an 8% decline that's unusual for healthcare credentials. This could reflect graduates moving to part-time work, switching employers, or regional wage constraints in the Lake City area. While the initial earnings beat Florida's state median by nearly $4,000, that advantage evaporates over time. Compare this to top Florida performers like Florida State College at Jacksonville, where LPNs earn $57,000-plus—a reminder that location and institutional reputation matter significantly in nursing career outcomes.

For families prioritizing low debt and immediate employment, this program delivers—you're looking at less than three months' salary in loans. But the declining earnings and small data sample create uncertainty about long-term value. If your child can access programs closer to major metro areas with stronger earning potential, that might justify slightly higher upfront costs for better career stability.