Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Jefferson County Dubois Area Vocational Technical Practical Nursing Program

This certificate program's first-year earnings of $38,646 fall notably short of both Pennsylvania's median ($47,572) and the national benchmark ($44,134), landing in the 25th percentile among similar programs statewide and nationally. For context, Pennsylvania's top practical nursing programs deliver first-year earnings exceeding $54,000, with Delaware County's program reaching nearly $66,000. That's a substantial gap—roughly $16,000 annually compared to the state median—though the modest debt load of $14,125 keeps the financial burden manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37.

The school serves a predominantly working-class student body (62% receive Pell grants), which makes the earnings outcome especially concerning. These graduates are entering a field with strong demand and typically reliable wages, yet they're earning significantly less than peers from other Pennsylvania programs. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift with more data, but the consistent underperformance relative to both state and national benchmarks suggests a pattern worth understanding.

For families considering this program, the question is clear: why accept below-average outcomes when Pennsylvania offers dozens of alternatives with stronger earnings trajectories? Unless geographic constraints make this the only viable option, prospective students should explore other in-state programs that better leverage the strong demand for practical nursing credentials.