Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Herzing University-Tampa

Herzing University-Tampa's practical nursing program sits in an unusual sweet spot: graduates earn notably more than typical Florida LPNs while carrying debt loads well below the national average. At $47,310 in first-year earnings, graduates out-earn 60% of Florida programs in this field—particularly impressive considering the state's median is just $40,922. That nearly $6,400 gap compounds year over year, with fourth-year earnings reaching $55,934.

The debt picture strengthens this program's case. While Florida LPN programs typically carry $10,379 in median debt, Herzing-Tampa's $22,586 sounds higher until you realize it ranks in the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of practical nursing programs nationwide load students with more debt. The 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, manageable territory for healthcare workers with steady employment prospects. Nearly half of students receive Pell grants, yet outcomes remain strong, suggesting the program serves working-class families effectively.

The 18% earnings growth from year one to year four indicates these graduates build valuable experience and advance within nursing roles. For families weighing Tampa-area options, this program delivers competitive earnings and restrained borrowing—a combination that makes the credential financially viable even if nursing remains a stepping stone to an RN degree later.