Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Meridian College

First-year earnings of $54,072 put Meridian College's practical nursing program well above most competitors—89th percentile nationally and 80th in Florida. That's roughly $10,000 more than the typical Florida LPN program and beats many nursing certificates that cost significantly more. While the debt figure of $9,861 is estimated from similar Florida programs rather than Meridian's actual graduate outcomes, it suggests a promising ratio: less than two months of first-year salary to cover borrowing costs. For a field where you can start earning immediately after licensure, that's manageable territory.

The earnings advantage appears genuine and substantial. Meridian's graduates are earning within range of Florida State College at Jacksonville's top-performing program, despite likely lower costs. With 58% of students receiving Pell grants, this program appears to be serving working-class students well—the kind who need credentials that pay off quickly. Practical nursing fills a persistent shortage in Florida's healthcare system, and these salary levels reflect genuine demand.

The caveat: debt estimates based on peer programs don't tell you about Meridian's specific financial aid packages, hidden fees, or completion rates. But the earnings data is actual—these graduates really are making over $54,000 in their first year. If your child can complete this program with debt close to the state median, they're looking at a credential that delivers immediate economic value in one of healthcare's most stable entry points.