Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Holy Name Medical Center-Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing

Holy Name's practical nursing program shows impressive first-year earnings of $62,684—substantially above both the national median ($44,134) and New Jersey's state median ($54,390). That starting salary places graduates in the 95th percentile nationally, putting them among the top-earning LPNs in the country. The $18,224 in median debt translates to a manageable 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates can expect to earn over three times their debt in their first year. Among New Jersey's 26 practical nursing programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile—good but not exceptional within the state's high-paying healthcare market.

The concern here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see an 8% decline from year one to year four, dropping to $57,933. This backward movement is unusual for healthcare roles and suggests either employment changes or reduced hours among this cohort. However, even at year four, earnings remain well above national and state benchmarks. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably with more data, and individual experiences may vary widely.

For parents considering this program, the bottom line is straightforward: graduates leave with relatively modest debt and strong initial earning power that outpaces most comparable programs nationally. The earnings dip deserves attention, but the overall financial picture—low debt burden combined with high starting salary—makes this a defensible investment for students committed to practical nursing.