Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Long Beach City College

California nursing programs command some of the highest wages in the country, and the estimated $56,700 first-year earnings from comparable programs puts Long Beach City College squarely in the middle of the state's range. That's notably above the $51,744 national median, reflecting California's stronger healthcare labor market. With estimated debt around $18,200—below both the state and national medians—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 suggests graduates from similar programs typically manage their loans comfortably on a nurse's salary.

The uncertainty here matters, though. Without actual graduate data for this specific program, you're looking at what peer programs achieve across California rather than what Long Beach City College consistently delivers. Some comparable programs produce first-year earnings above $65,000, while others likely fall below the state median. The estimated debt figure also varies widely among similar schools, ranging from minimal borrowing at some community colleges to substantially higher amounts at private institutions.

For families weighing this program, the estimated numbers point to a reasonable investment—particularly at a community college price point serving 37% Pell-eligible students—but you'll want to verify the program's actual placement rates and employer relationships in the Long Beach area before enrolling. California's nursing market is strong, but the specific clinical training partnerships and local hiring patterns will determine whether this program delivers the typical state outcomes or something different.