Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Stanbridge University

Stanbridge University's LVN program charges more debt than typical but delivers mixed returns. At $20,000, you're paying 15% above California's median for nursing assistant programs and 35% more than the national average. That premium initially appears justified—first-year earnings of $57,359 land in the 95th percentile nationally. However, the California context reveals a more complicated picture: this ranks only in the 60th percentile statewide, meaning you're getting above-average outcomes but falling short of the state's top programs, some of which cost less and produce graduates earning $9,000+ more annually.

The backwards earnings trajectory raises questions about program positioning. While many nursing careers see wage growth through experience and certifications, Stanbridge graduates lose 7% in earnings between years one and four. This could reflect the program's focus on entry-level nursing assistant roles rather than paths toward LVN positions with advancement potential, or simply where graduates land in the competitive California healthcare market.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 means manageable repayment—roughly 4 months of pre-tax income—but you're not getting clear value for the premium price. If staying in California, compare closely with programs like Hartnell College that deliver stronger long-term earnings. This works if your child needs the selective admissions structure (11% acceptance rate suggests rigorous screening), but purely on ROI, better options exist in-state.