Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing

Shawsheen Valley's graduates earn $72,230 right out of the gate—that's 64% more than the national median for practical nursing programs and significantly higher than Massachusetts' state median of $55,338. In fact, this program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally and the 80th percentile within Massachusetts, outpacing most of the state's 25 practical nursing programs. With just $9,397 in typical debt, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.13 means graduates can realistically pay off their loans in under two months of work—an exceptional position for any healthcare program.

The earnings dip to $67,379 by year four does warrant attention, though this likely reflects the ceiling effect common in LPN roles rather than program weakness. Even with this decline, fourth-year earnings still exceed what most practical nursing graduates nationally earn in their first year. For families concerned about affordability, nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, and the modest debt load makes this accessible even for lower-income students.

This program delivers unusual value: top-tier starting salaries, minimal debt, and graduates entering a healthcare job market with strong demand. For parents weighing practical nursing options in Massachusetts, Shawsheen Valley offers one of the strongest financial returns available in the state.