Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Pierce College District

Nursing assistant and practical nursing programs in Washington typically outperform national averages, with the state median reaching nearly $51,000 in first-year earnings—about $7,000 more than what comparable programs nationally suggest. Pierce College's estimated outcomes fall closer to the national baseline of $44,000, which puts graduates at a potential disadvantage compared to nearby options like Clover Park Technical College (where reported outcomes show $53,000) and Olympic College ($49,000).

The estimated debt load of around $13,700 is manageable by most measures—slightly below both state and national norms—yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31. For context, that means roughly four months of gross income to cover total borrowing, which is reasonable for a healthcare credential. However, the real concern is the earnings gap: if Pierce's actual outcomes track closer to the national figure rather than Washington's stronger state median, graduates here might be earning $6,000 to $9,000 less annually than peers at other Washington schools while entering the same labor market with similar credentials.

Given these estimates, parents should directly ask Pierce for placement rates and actual employer connections in the region. Healthcare hiring is local, and what matters most is whether this program's clinical partnerships translate into comparable wages. If the school can't demonstrate outcomes matching stronger Washington programs, the lower debt may not offset weaker earning potential when other in-state options exist.