Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Florida National University-Main Campus

The year-four earnings figure of $22,589 tells an alarming story that demands explanation. While similar Florida nursing programs suggest first-year earnings around $41,000—a reasonable start for this field—something appears to happen between graduation and year four that cuts income nearly in half. This isn't the typical trajectory for licensed practical nurses, who generally see stable or increasing earnings as they gain experience.

Based on comparable programs statewide, graduates likely face about $9,900 in debt, which would be manageable if earnings held steady. The problem is that backward slide. Whether it reflects graduates leaving nursing altogether, moving to part-time work, or facing credential issues that limit their earning potential, it suggests this program may not be effectively launching students into sustainable careers. For context, Florida's top-performing practical nursing programs produce graduates earning $47,000 to $57,000 by year four—more than double what this program's graduates appear to make at that same milestone.

With 84% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a population that can least afford a credential that doesn't deliver. The debt load itself isn't prohibitive, but the career outcome it's buying appears questionable. Parents should insist on understanding what's driving that year-four earnings collapse before committing—whether it's graduation rates, licensure exam pass rates, or employment outcomes, something fundamental isn't working.