Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Somerset Community College

Somerset Community College's practical nursing certificate delivers below-average earnings with slightly below-average debt, creating a challenging financial picture. First-year graduates earn $28,953—about $3,000 less than the Kentucky median and a striking $15,000 below the national average. While the debt load is relatively manageable at $9,096, that's still nearly a third of first-year earnings. The school serves a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients (43%), suggesting many students come from families who can least afford extended payback periods.

The state comparison reveals the extent of the problem. This program ranks in just the 40th percentile among Kentucky's 23 practical nursing programs—middle of the pack in a state that itself underperforms nationally. Top programs in Kentucky like Beckfield College-Florence ($48,479) and Galen College of Nursing-Louisville ($46,830) produce graduates earning nearly double what Somerset graduates make. Even Hopkinsville Community College, another community college option, shows earnings $8,000 higher.

For families considering this program, the question is whether the lower debt justifies significantly reduced earning potential. At these income levels, the difference between $29,000 and $37,000 annually isn't marginal—it affects basic quality of life. Unless there are compelling geographic or personal reasons to attend Somerset specifically, Kentucky offers demonstrably stronger practical nursing programs at similar or only moderately higher costs.