Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District

Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational stands out nationally—its graduates earn $67,498 within a year, placing them in the 95th percentile among all practical nursing programs in the U.S. That's 53% above the national median of $44,134. With only $9,500 in debt, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.14 means graduates can realistically pay off their loans in under two months of work. This is the kind of rapid return on investment that makes vocational nursing programs appealing, and this district delivers it exceptionally well.

Within Massachusetts, the picture is more nuanced. The program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide—solid but not elite. Top performers like Shawsheen Valley and Greater Lowell Technical push earnings slightly higher, into the low $70,000s. Still, Southern Worcester County's combination of above-median Massachusetts earnings ($67,498 versus the state median of $55,338) and below-median debt makes it competitive with most in-state options.

For parents weighing this program, the value proposition is straightforward: your child enters the workforce quickly with minimal debt and earnings that exceed what most practical nursing graduates achieve nationally. The 100% admission rate and reasonable Pell Grant enrollment (31%) suggest accessibility without compromising outcomes. This is a practical path to a stable healthcare career with immediate earning power.