Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Mildred Elley-New York Campus

Mildred Elley's nursing program commands premium tuition—graduates carry $24,459 in debt, nearly double the state median—but the earnings trajectory raises serious questions about return on investment. While first-year earnings of $55,424 place graduates well above both state and national medians (60th percentile in New York), income actually declines to $50,881 by year four. That's an 8% drop when most careers are climbing, suggesting these initial nursing roles may not offer the advancement opportunities that justify the higher debt load.

The financial math is manageable but not compelling. At 0.44 debt-to-earnings, graduates can theoretically handle payments, but they're taking on twice the typical debt for this credential in New York while watching their earning power shrink. Compare this to CUNY LaGuardia, which delivers similar first-year earnings ($56,230) presumably at community college prices, or top programs like Transitions Career Institute where earnings reach $66,000. The 76% Pell Grant rate indicates Mildred Elley serves students who can least afford to overpay for credentials.

For families considering this program: you're paying a premium for outcomes that start strong but don't sustain. If cost is negotiable or financial aid substantially reduces your out-of-pocket expense, the initial earning power makes this workable. But if you're borrowing the full $24,000, explore whether nearby community colleges or BOCES programs can deliver the same LPN certification at half the price.