Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Mercer County Career Center

The dramatic 27% earnings drop at Mercer County Career Center—from $44,460 after one year to $32,472 by year four—demands explanation before families commit. While graduates start near the national median, they fall significantly behind both Pennsylvania's state median ($47,572) and rank in just the 40th percentile among PA nursing programs. The top-performing programs in Pennsylvania see graduates earning $55,000-$66,000, suggesting geography and employment patterns matter considerably in this field.

The $15,355 debt load is reasonable and slightly below Pennsylvania's average, making this affordable in year one. But when earnings decline to barely $32,000 by year four, that initial manageable debt-to-income ratio becomes less comfortable. This earnings trajectory is highly unusual for healthcare credentials, which typically offer stable or growing wages. It could indicate graduates are moving into lower-paying roles, working reduced hours, or leaving the field entirely—all scenarios worth investigating through conversations with the school's placement office.

For families banking on nursing as a stable career path, this program's numbers raise red flags. The strong start suggests graduates can find work, but something causes earnings to crater within four years. Before enrolling, ask specifically: Where do graduates work? What percentage remain in clinical roles after three years? Are there higher-performing LPN programs within commuting distance that could provide better long-term outcomes?