Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Galen College of Nursing-Louisville
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
galencollege.edu/louisvilleAnalysis
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
Earnings Distribution
How Galen College of Nursing-Louisville graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galen College of Nursing-Louisville | $46,830 | $49,424 | +6% |
| ATA College | $41,553 | $50,873 | +22% |
| Jefferson Community and Technical College | $33,594 | $49,671 | +48% |
| Beckfield College-Florence | $48,479 | $49,461 | +2% |
| Sullivan University | $40,909 | $43,242 | +6% |
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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Galen College of Nursing-LouisvilleLouisville | — | $46,830 | $49,424 | $16,642 | 0.36 |
 Beckfield College-FlorenceFlorence | $13,295 | $48,479 | $49,461 | $20,502 | 0.42 |
 ATA CollegeLouisville | $13,930 | $41,553 | $50,873 | $28,849 | 0.69 |
 Sullivan UniversityLouisville | $14,220 | $40,909 | $43,242 | $25,959 | 0.63 |
 Hopkinsville Community CollegeHopkinsville | $4,656 | $37,077 | — | $10,898 | 0.29 |
 Bluegrass Community and Technical CollegeLexington | $4,706 | $36,053 | $40,505 | $11,000 | 0.31 |
| National Median | — | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants graduates
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.