Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Palm Beach State College

Palm Beach State College's practical nursing program shows a troubling earnings trajectory that demands careful consideration. While graduates start reasonably well at $44,422—beating the Florida median by about $3,500 and ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—earnings drop 17% to $36,893 by year four. This isn't the typical career progression parents expect from healthcare credentials.

The low debt load of $9,834 provides some cushion, meaning graduates can manage payments even as earnings decline. However, the downward trend suggests these graduates may be cycling out of higher-paying positions, potentially due to the physical demands of practical nursing roles or competition from RN-credentialed nurses for better positions. It's worth noting that Florida's top-performing practical nursing programs—like Florida State College at Jacksonville—produce graduates earning $57,000, indicating that not all LPN programs lead to the same outcomes.

For families weighing this program, the modest debt makes it a relatively low-risk option, but the earnings decline signals that this may serve better as a stepping stone to further nursing credentials rather than a final destination. If your child plans to stop at LPN certification, they should understand that peak earnings may come immediately after graduation, not years into their career.