Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Greenfield Community College

Greenfield Community College's practical nursing program launches graduates into solid first-year earnings of $56,658—beating the national median by nearly $13,000. That's impressive performance, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. However, the picture in Massachusetts is more modest: this program sits right at the state median, with several regional vocational programs delivering significantly higher returns (the top programs place graduates earning $67,000-$72,000).

The debt load of $12,123 is reasonable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.21—meaning graduates owe about two months' salary. That's manageable for most nurses entering the workforce. The concerning element is the earnings trajectory: rather than growing, salaries dip 4% by year four. This could reflect the career ceiling for LPNs compared to RNs, or it might signal scheduling changes as nurses gain seniority. Keep in mind these figures come from a small sample size, so individual outcomes may vary considerably.

For families looking at practical nursing in Massachusetts, this program offers a low-risk entry point with modest debt and decent starting pay. But if your child can access one of the stronger regional vocational programs—particularly those north and west of Boston—they might position themselves $10,000-$15,000 higher in annual earnings. The affordability here is real; just understand you're getting solid, middle-of-the-pack results for Massachusetts rather than the exceptional returns the national ranking might suggest.