Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Sheridan Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
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
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 Sheridan Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Sheridan Technical College graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 27th 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 Florida
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (110 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheridan Technical College | $39,156 | $40,301 | $8,614 | 0.22 |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | $57,579 | — | $19,000 | 0.33 |
| Meridian College | $54,072 | — | — | — |
| Herzing University-Orlando | $47,310 | $55,934 | $22,586 | 0.48 |
| Herzing University-Tampa | $47,310 | $55,934 | $22,586 | 0.48 |
| Pinellas Technical College-St. Petersburg | $47,306 | — | $17,485 | 0.37 |
| National Median | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville | $2,878 | $57,579 | $19,000 |
| Meridian College Sarasota | — | $54,072 | — |
| Herzing University-Orlando Winter Park | $13,420 | $47,310 | $22,586 |
| Herzing University-Tampa Tampa | $13,420 | $47,310 | $22,586 |
| Pinellas Technical College-St. Petersburg Saint Petersburg | — | $47,306 | $17,485 |
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.