Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES

This BOCES nursing program costs significantly less than typical options—graduates carry just $14,093 in debt—but earnings lag behind what New York nursing assistants typically make. At the 40th percentile statewide, graduates here earn about $2,700 less annually than the state median, and roughly $24,000 less than top programs like Transitions Career Institute or AMG School of Nursing.

The essentially flat earnings trajectory raises a practical concern: what you earn in year one is what you'll likely earn four years later. That's unusual even for practical nursing certificates, where modest wage growth is typical as nurses gain experience and potentially add credentials. Combined with below-average starting salaries, this suggests limited advancement opportunities for graduates. With 60% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on quick economic mobility that may not materialize.

The debt picture is the program's strength—manageable by any standard, with graduates owing less than four months of first-year income. For students committed to staying local who need affordable healthcare training, this could work as a financial stepping stone. But parents should recognize their child will likely start behind peers from other New York nursing programs and may not catch up without additional training or credentials.