Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Tri County Regional Vocational Technical High School

First-year earnings of $53,693 put Tri County's LPN program nearly $10,000 above the national median—performing in the 88th percentile nationally—though it lands in the middle of Massachusetts' competitive nursing landscape. With estimated debt around $11,788 based on comparable vocational programs in the state, graduates face a debt load about 20% of first-year earnings, which is manageable for healthcare training. The fundamentals work: you're borrowing roughly what you'd earn in three months to enter a field with immediate employment prospects.

The challenge is regional. Massachusetts has exceptionally strong LPN programs, with top performers like Shawsheen Valley and Southern Worcester producing graduates earning $67,000-$72,000 in their first year. Tri County's outcomes trail these leaders by $13,000-$18,000, suggesting location within the state or network strength may significantly impact early earnings. Still, even at the lower end of the state range, these are solid returns on a certificate program.

For families in Franklin and surrounding communities, this program offers a practical entry point to healthcare without the debt burden of a bachelor's degree. The 0.22 debt-to-earnings ratio is excellent, and starting above $50,000 provides real financial stability. Just recognize that other vocational schools in Massachusetts are placing graduates in higher-paying positions—geography and clinical partnerships likely matter here, so ask about where students complete rotations and which healthcare systems actively hire from this program.