Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Lincoln Technical Institute-Iselin

Lincoln Technical Institute-Iselin's nursing assistant program delivers strong immediate earning power, with first-year graduates earning $54,390—placing it in the 90th percentile nationally and matching New Jersey's state median. However, this program represents an "early peak" scenario where earnings actually decline over time, dropping 7% to $50,694 by year four. While concerning, this earnings pattern isn't uncommon in nursing assistant roles where career advancement often requires additional education.

The financial picture is reasonable with $17,644 in median debt, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32. This debt level sits at the 31st percentile nationally (better than average) and matches the state median. With 62% of students receiving Pell grants, the program clearly serves working-class families seeking direct entry into healthcare careers.

The program's immediate earning potential is solid, but parents should understand that nursing assistant roles typically require further education for meaningful salary growth. While Lincoln Tech graduates start strong compared to national peers, they lag behind the top New Jersey programs by $4,000-8,000 annually. For families prioritizing quick workforce entry with manageable debt, this represents a viable path into healthcare, but long-term earning growth will likely require pursuing LPN or RN credentials later.