Median Earnings (1yr)
$49,653
74th percentile (40th in NJ)
Median Debt
$21,599
46% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.43
Manageable
Sample Size
650
Adequate data

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

Prism Career Institute-Cherry HillOther practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants programs

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Prism Career Institute-Cherry Hill$49,653$47,562$21,5990.43
Holy Name Medical Center-Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing$62,684$57,933$18,2240.29
Essex County College$62,448
MCVSD$62,124$10,1680.16
Eastwick College-Hackensack$58,986$60,629$23,5650.40
Universal Training Institute$58,535$12,9530.22
National Median$44,134$14,8030.34

Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Programs in New Jersey

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.