Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Prism Career Institute-Cherry Hill
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
This program delivers strong national performance but falls short of New Jersey's high nursing standards. With first-year earnings of $49,653, graduates earn well above the national median ($44,134) and rank in the 74th percentile nationally. However, among New Jersey's 26 nursing programs, this ranks only in the 40th percentile, with the state median significantly higher at $54,390. The top NJ programs generate earnings over $60,000—more than $10,000 above what Prism graduates typically earn.
The debt picture is more encouraging. At $21,599, graduates carry manageable debt that represents just 43% of first-year earnings—well below concerning levels. This ranks in the 8th percentile nationally for debt, meaning 92% of similar programs saddle students with more debt. The concerning element is the earnings trajectory: income actually drops 4% from year one to year four, suggesting limited career advancement opportunities compared to programs where earnings typically grow.
For a New Jersey family, this program represents a mixed value proposition. While debt levels are reasonable and national performance is solid, your child would likely earn significantly more graduating from other in-state options. Given that 59% of students receive Pell grants, this program may serve students who need a lower-cost entry point to nursing, but families with options should explore higher-performing New Jersey programs first.
Where Prism Career Institute-Cherry Hill Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Prism Career Institute-Cherry Hill graduates compare to all programs nationally
Prism Career Institute-Cherry Hill graduates earn $50k, placing them in the 74th percentile of all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (26 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prism Career Institute-Cherry Hill | $49,653 | $47,562 | $21,599 | 0.43 |
| Holy Name Medical Center-Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing | $62,684 | $57,933 | $18,224 | 0.29 |
| Essex County College | $62,448 | — | — | — |
| MCVSD | $62,124 | — | $10,168 | 0.16 |
| Eastwick College-Hackensack | $58,986 | $60,629 | $23,565 | 0.40 |
| Universal Training Institute | $58,535 | — | $12,953 | 0.22 |
| National Median | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Programs in New Jersey
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Name Medical Center-Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing Englewood Cliffs | $23,489 | $62,684 | $18,224 |
| Essex County College Newark | $5,346 | $62,448 | — |
| MCVSD Freehold | — | $62,124 | $10,168 |
| Eastwick College-Hackensack Hackensack | $16,913 | $58,986 | $23,565 |
| Universal Training Institute Perth Amboy | — | $58,535 | $12,953 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Prism Career Institute-Cherry Hill, approximately 59% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.