Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Summit College

Summit College graduates earn nearly $10,000 less than the typical California nursing assistant—a significant gap that places this program in just the 25th percentile statewide. While the $43,828 first-year earnings look reasonable compared to national figures, California's strong healthcare market typically delivers much better outcomes. Top programs in the state routinely see graduates earning $60,000+, suggesting Summit's connections to higher-paying facilities may be limited.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $17,503, borrowing sits right at the state median and remains manageable with a 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio. Earnings do grow 10% by year four, reaching $48,239, though this still lags far behind what graduates could expect from stronger California programs. For a school serving majority low-income students (53% receive Pell grants), these middling outcomes deserve scrutiny.

If your child is set on nursing in California, this program represents a below-average entry point in a state known for well-compensated healthcare roles. The debt won't crush them, but they'll likely start their career at lower-paying facilities compared to peers from better-performing programs. Consider whether the $10,000 annual earnings difference—potentially $40,000+ over four years—justifies exploring higher-ranked California options, especially public community colleges that often deliver superior outcomes at lower cost.