Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Galen College of Nursing-Louisville
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Galen College's practical nursing program significantly outperforms Kentucky competition, ranking in the 80th percentile statewide with starting salaries of $46,830—nearly $15,000 above the state median of $31,865. Among the 23 nursing programs in Kentucky, only Beckfield College produces higher-earning graduates, making this a standout option for in-state students.
The debt picture looks reasonable at $16,642, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36. While this debt load runs higher than the Kentucky average, it's still below the national median for similar programs. The 6% earnings growth over four years is modest but steady, suggesting graduates maintain stable career trajectories in the field.
For Kentucky families, this program delivers clear value—graduates earn substantially more than typical state nursing program alumni while keeping debt reasonable. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these outcomes. If your child is committed to practical nursing and wants to stay in Kentucky, Galen offers one of the strongest financial returns in the state.
Where Galen College of Nursing-Louisville Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Galen College of Nursing-Louisville graduates compare to all programs nationally
Galen College of Nursing-Louisville graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 62th percentile of all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (23 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galen College of Nursing-Louisville | $46,830 | $49,424 | $16,642 | 0.36 |
| Beckfield College-Florence | $48,479 | $49,461 | $20,502 | 0.42 |
| ATA College | $41,553 | $50,873 | $28,849 | 0.69 |
| Sullivan University | $40,909 | $43,242 | $25,959 | 0.63 |
| Hopkinsville Community College | $37,077 | — | $10,898 | 0.29 |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College | $36,053 | $40,505 | $11,000 | 0.31 |
| National Median | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Programs in Kentucky
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kentucky schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beckfield College-Florence Florence | $13,295 | $48,479 | $20,502 |
| ATA College Louisville | $13,930 | $41,553 | $28,849 |
| Sullivan University Louisville | $14,220 | $40,909 | $25,959 |
| Hopkinsville Community College Hopkinsville | $4,656 | $37,077 | $10,898 |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College Lexington | $4,706 | $36,053 | $11,000 |
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 Galen College of Nursing-Louisville, approximately 26% 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 375 graduates with reported earnings and 970 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.