Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey

Union County's practical nursing program charges above-average debt for middle-of-the-pack New Jersey outcomes. While this program's $57,957 first-year earnings crushes the national median by 31%, it actually lands at just the 60th percentile among New Jersey's 26 nursing programs—decent but not exceptional for a state where practical nursing pays well across the board. Several comparable programs (Essex County College, MCVSD) deliver similar or better earnings with lower or comparable debt loads.

The $20,246 debt burden isn't excessive in absolute terms—the 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can manage payments—but it's notably higher than both the New Jersey median ($17,644) and national median ($14,803). For a certificate program where earnings actually dip slightly by year four rather than growing, that premium matters. Nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, suggesting many families are price-sensitive.

For New Jersey families, this program works as a reliable entry into nursing but isn't a standout value. If your child can access Essex County College or similar programs offering $60,000+ outcomes at comparable or lower cost, those represent stronger investments. Union County gets graduates employed at solid wages quickly, but in a state with strong practical nursing programs throughout, it's worth comparing local alternatives before committing to above-average debt.