Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Great Lakes Institute of Technology

Great Lakes Institute of Technology's practical nursing program produces graduates earning notably less than other Pennsylvania options—about $6,300 below the state median and roughly $15,000 behind top regional programs like Delaware County Technical School. At the 40th percentile statewide, this means six out of ten Pennsylvania practical nursing programs deliver better starting salaries.

The debt picture offers some consolation: at $24,000, students here borrow more than the state median but far less than the national average, landing in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden. The 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable—graduates earn roughly $1.70 for every dollar borrowed. However, that ratio looks less favorable when you consider Pennsylvania's stronger-performing programs typically deliver both higher earnings and comparable or lower debt.

For a practical nursing credential meant to provide immediate workforce entry, earning $41,000 in year one isn't disastrous, but it's underwhelming for Pennsylvania's healthcare market. With 68% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on this program as an economic stepping stone. They'd likely see better returns at community colleges like Bucks County or technical schools with stronger placement outcomes, which suggests looking carefully at alternatives before committing to Great Lakes.