Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Florida State College at Jacksonville

Among Florida's 110 practical nursing programs, Jacksonville State College's graduates earn $57,579 their first year—outperforming the state median by over $16,000 and ranking in the 80th percentile statewide. That's better than well-regarded programs like Herzing's campuses and several established technical colleges. Nationally, these earnings land in the 95th percentile, signaling exceptional placement outcomes.

The debt picture reinforces this value. At $19,000, borrowing sits well below the national median ($14,803 is typical, but this program's higher cost still yields a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.33). Graduates earn three times what they owe in their first year—a threshold that typically indicates manageable repayment. Given that nursing assistants and practical nurses can enter the workforce quickly without pursuing a bachelor's degree, this accelerated path to solid income makes practical sense for families prioritizing immediate earnings.

The caveat matters here: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes vary more than they would at larger programs. Still, the combination of strong earnings relative to both state and national benchmarks, contained debt, and a credential that leads directly to employment suggests this program delivers on its promise. For students certain about the nursing track and ready for immediate workforce entry, this represents a low-risk investment with returns that materialize fast.