Est. Earnings (1yr)
$97,457
Est. from CA median (57 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$14,411
Est. from CA median (50 programs)

Analysis

California's robust nursing market makes this program's estimated outcomes look solid, even without specific graduate data from Glendale. Based on typical results from similar associate nursing programs statewide, graduates can expect around $97,000 in first-year earningsβ€”well above the $68,000 national median and matching California's strong state average. The estimated $14,400 debt load suggests a manageable financial commitment, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.15, meaning roughly two months of gross pay could cover the entire educational investment.

What matters most is context: California nursing programs consistently outperform national averages, and community college pathways like this one typically offer the strongest value proposition in the field. Top performers in the state push past $110,000 in early earnings, but even meeting the state median puts graduates in excellent financial position compared to the national landscape. The community college model here appears to deliver competitive preparation without the debt burden of private alternatives.

For a parent evaluating this pathway, the estimated figures align with what makes California nursing attractiveβ€”strong demand translating to solid wages. While we can't confirm Glendale's specific outcomes, the broader pattern suggests an ADN from a California community college reliably opens doors to middle-class earnings with minimal debt risk. That's about as favorable as healthcare career math gets at the associate level.

Where Glendale Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in California (109 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Glendale Community CollegeGlendale$1,181$97,457*β€”$14,411*β€”
Unitek CollegeFremontβ€”$120,006*$119,891$27,113*0.23
Yuba CollegeMarysville$1,128$117,283*$118,060$8,729*0.07
Mendocino CollegeUkiah$1,423$113,261*β€”β€”*β€”
Pacific Union CollegeAngwin$35,214$110,696*$99,360$27,000*0.24
Merced CollegeMerced$1,194$107,024*$92,668$12,750*0.12
National Medianβ€”$68,409*β€”$20,751*0.30
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates

Nurse Anesthetists

Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Midwives

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Practitioners

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Registered Nurses

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Acute Care Nurses

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Critical Care Nurses

Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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 Glendale Community College, approximately 35% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 57 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.