Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Lively Technical College

Lively Technical College's nursing assistant program shows a troubling trajectory: earnings actually drop 6% between years one and four, falling from $38,712 to $36,352. This isn't just disappointing growth—it's backward movement in a field where steady employment should mean steady or rising wages. Among Florida's 110 nursing programs, Lively ranks at just the 40th percentile, meaning 60% of comparable state programs produce better earnings outcomes. For perspective, Florida State College at Jacksonville's graduates earn $57,579—nearly 60% more than Lively's alumni four years out.

The $15,000 debt load looks manageable at first glance, but context matters. While it's close to the national median, it's 45% higher than Florida's typical $10,379 for this credential. Combined with below-average earnings, you're looking at a weaker return than most in-state alternatives. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means your child would owe roughly five months' salary—not catastrophic, but harder to justify when stronger programs cost similar amounts and deliver $10,000-20,000 more in annual earnings.

If Tallahassee is the only option due to location constraints, understand you're accepting below-average outcomes for this field. Otherwise, look at programs like Pinellas Technical College or the Herzing campuses, which demonstrate that Florida nursing credentials can launch more lucrative careers without significantly more debt.