Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Sheridan Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
sheridantechnicalcollege.eduAnalysis
Sheridan Technical College's nursing program operates in Florida's competitive LPN market with a decisive advantage: exceptionally low debt. At just $8,614, graduates leave with roughly one-third the typical burden for nursing programs nationally and well below Florida's $10,379 median. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 means graduates can theoretically clear their loans in under three months of gross pay—an enviable position for any healthcare credential.
The challenge is earnings potential. Starting at $39,156, graduates earn about $5,000 less than typical Florida LPNs and significantly trail top-performing programs like Florida State College at Jacksonville ($57,579) or Meridian College ($54,072). That gap persists over time, with four-year earnings reaching only $40,301. For context, this places the program at the 40th percentile statewide—below average but not dramatically so, especially considering the minimal debt load.
The math here favors families prioritizing quick workforce entry with minimal financial risk. A graduate who starts working immediately faces a much smaller barrier to financial stability than peers carrying $15,000+ in loans. However, if maximizing long-term earnings matters more, exploring programs at Florida State College or even nearby technical colleges like Pinellas may justify slightly higher borrowing. For students seeking the fastest path to licensed nursing work without debt stress, Sheridan delivers exactly that.
Where Sheridan Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Sheridan Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheridan Technical College | $39,156 | $40,301 | +3% |
| Herzing University-Orlando | $47,310 | $55,934 | +18% |
| Herzing University-Tampa | $47,310 | $55,934 | +18% |
| HCA Florida Mercy Hospital School of Practical Nursing | $31,784 | $52,046 | +64% |
| ATA Career Education | $41,553 | $50,873 | +22% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (110 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Sheridan Technical CollegeHollywood | — | $39,156 | $40,301 | $8,614 | 0.22 |
 Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville | $2,878 | $57,579 | — | $19,000 | 0.33 |
 Meridian CollegeSarasota | — | $54,072 | — | — | — |
 Herzing University-OrlandoWinter Park | $13,420 | $47,310 | $55,934 | $22,586 | 0.48 |
| Herzing University-TampaTampa | $13,420 | $47,310 | $55,934 | $22,586 | 0.48 |
 Pinellas Technical College-St. PetersburgSaint Petersburg | — | $47,306 | — | $17,485 | 0.37 |
| 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 Sheridan Technical College, approximately 27% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 85 graduates with reported earnings and 75 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.