Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Riverside College of Health Careers

Riverside College delivers practical nursing credentials at a below-average cost, but the earnings trajectory tells an unusual story. Graduates earn $46,106 in their first year—above both Virginia's $44,528 median and the national benchmark—yet incomes drop to $43,154 by year four. Among Virginia's 37 programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, meaning it outperforms about 60% of competitors. However, that 6% earnings decline over four years runs counter to what you'd expect as nurses gain experience and advance.

The debt picture offers some reassurance. At $14,250, it sits below both state and national medians, translating to a manageable 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio. Nearly half the students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves working-class families effectively. Still, when top Virginia programs like Piedmont Virginia Community College produce graduates earning $61,566, there's a $15,000 gap to consider—particularly if you're comparing in-state options.

The earnings decline deserves scrutiny. It could reflect graduates moving from hospital settings to lower-paying positions, or it might indicate workforce challenges specific to the Hampton Roads area. For families prioritizing quick workforce entry with minimal debt, this works—the low barrier to entry and modest costs mean graduates aren't overleveraged. But if career growth matters, investigate why incomes plateau early and whether better-performing Virginia programs justify slightly higher costs.