Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
rcsj.eduAnalysis
New Jersey's nursing market is strong, and while this program's exact outcomes aren't available, comparable LPN programs statewide suggest first-year earnings around $54,390—well above the $44,134 national median for this credential. That's a meaningful difference: New Jersey pays its practical nurses roughly 23% more than the typical state, which fundamentally changes the math on any debt incurred.
At $15,145 in borrowing, students here would face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28, meaning they'd owe less than three months of their estimated first-year salary. That's manageable territory for a healthcare credential that typically leads to immediate employment. The debt sits right at the national median for LPN programs, but it's actually below New Jersey's typical $17,644—suggesting this program may cost less than some in-state alternatives while still positioning graduates for the same strong regional market.
The uncertainty here matters: some New Jersey LPN programs report outcomes exceeding $62,000 in first-year earnings. Whether Rowan-Gloucester's graduates cluster near the state median or reach those higher marks depends on factors the available data can't reveal—clinical placement quality, employer relationships, and how well the program prepares students for New Jersey's competitive hospital systems. For families considering this route into nursing, the state's wage floor provides a safety net, but investigating where this specific program's graduates actually work would clarify whether they're capturing the full earnings potential available.
Where Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,980 | $54,390* | — | $15,145 | — | |
| $23,489 | $62,684* | $57,933 | $18,224 | 0.29 | |
| $5,346 | $62,448* | — | — | — | |
| — | $62,124* | — | $10,168 | 0.16 | |
| $16,913 | $58,986* | $60,629 | $23,565 | 0.40 | |
| — | $58,535* | — | $12,953 | 0.22 | |
| National Median | — | $44,134* | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants graduates
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 Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus, approximately 28% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 16 similar programs in NJ. Actual outcomes may vary.