Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at North-West College-Pomona

North-West College-Pomona charges premium prices but delivers middle-of-the-pack results for California. While the program ranks in the 84th percentile nationally, it falls to just the 40th percentile among California nursing programs—meaning six in ten CA schools produce better-earning graduates. First-year earnings of $52,487 land slightly below the California median of $53,040, despite debt that runs higher than the state average.

The bigger concern is the trajectory: graduates see their earnings drop 11% by year four, falling to $46,701. In a field where experience typically commands higher pay, this backward slide suggests graduates may be stuck in entry-level LVN roles without clear advancement paths. Meanwhile, the top programs in the state—including sister campus North-West College-Van Nuys—are producing graduates earning $62,000 to $66,000 annually.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 isn't catastrophic, and the program serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body. But for roughly the same debt load, other California programs deliver substantially better outcomes. If you're committed to this career path in California, this program will get you licensed and working, but it's worth comparing closely with community college options and other private schools that show stronger earning potential and upward momentum.