Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Southeastern College-West Palm Beach

Nursing programs in Florida vary dramatically in cost and outcomes, but national benchmarks suggest this associate's degree path is workable—if the estimates hold. With typical first-year earnings around $52,000 and estimated debt of $22,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 sits comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold. The four-year earnings figure of $59,000 shows steady progression, which aligns with how practical nursing careers typically develop as graduates gain experience and potentially add certifications.

The caveat here is real: both the earnings and debt figures are estimates drawn from peer institutions nationally, not actual outcomes from Southeastern College graduates. With 77% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a predominantly lower-income population where every dollar of debt matters more. The national median debt for this credential is actually slightly lower at $19,400, so there may be room to reduce borrowing if possible through scholarships, part-time attendance, or working while enrolled.

For a family considering this path, the math works on paper—a year's salary to cover total debt is manageable for a healthcare career with clear demand in Florida. But push the school for more concrete placement and graduate outcome data specific to their campus before committing. If their actual graduates aren't landing those $50,000+ jobs quickly, the financial picture changes significantly.