Est. Earnings (1yr)
$43,207
Est. from OH median (49 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$14,820
Est. from OH median (35 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable LPN programs across Ohio, Madison Adult Career Center's nursing certificate appears to hit a practical sweet spot. The estimated $14,820 in debt sits below the state median ($16,364) while projected first-year earnings of $43,207 align with typical outcomes for Ohio LPN graduates. That 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe roughly four months of their first-year salary—manageable territory for a healthcare credential that leads to immediate employment.

The reality check: several Ohio programs produce significantly stronger outcomes, with Cincinnati State and Fortis campuses showing graduates earning $50,000 or more in their first year. That's $7,000-$10,000 more annually than what similar programs suggest Madison grads might earn. For a credential requiring similar investment, that gap matters—it could represent faster debt payoff or more financial breathing room early in your career.

The most important question is whether Madison's convenience or local job market justifies accepting potentially lower earnings. If your child can access one of the higher-performing programs without relocating or significantly disrupting their life, the data suggests that's worth serious consideration. But if Madison offers the most realistic path to completing this credential given your family's circumstances, the projected debt load isn't alarming—it's a workable number that LPN wages should support repaying within a few years.

Where Madison Adult Career Center Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (77 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Madison Adult Career CenterMansfield—$43,207*—$14,820*—
Cincinnati State Technical and Community CollegeCincinnati$5,400$53,908*$40,248$21,438*0.40
Fortis College-CincinnatiCincinnati$14,283$49,956*$47,995$28,378*0.57
Fortis College-ColumbusWesterville$14,148$49,956*$47,995$28,378*0.57
Cuyahoga Community College DistrictCleveland$3,736$48,692*$44,617$19,750*0.41
Central Ohio Technical CollegeNewark$5,136$48,483*$46,155$14,281*0.29
National Median—$44,134*—$14,803*0.34
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants graduates

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.

$62,340/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Nursing Assistants

Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.

$39,430/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Madison Adult Career Center, approximately 46% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 49 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.