Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Unitek College

Unitek College's practical nursing program lands graduates in the top tier nationally, with first-year earnings of $66,221—50% higher than the national median and $13,000 above California's already-strong state average. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among California nursing programs, which is particularly impressive given that the state attracts many well-established nursing schools. With relatively modest debt of $17,305, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in about three months of gross income.

The slight earnings dip from year one to year four deserves attention. While the decline is minimal (just $1,000), it suggests earnings stabilize quickly rather than grow substantially. This pattern is less concerning in nursing than in other fields—LVN/LPN roles typically reach salary caps faster than RN positions, and many graduates may transition to different healthcare roles not captured in this data. Half the student body receives Pell grants, indicating the program successfully serves economically diverse students who achieve strong outcomes.

For parents weighing options, this program delivers immediate earning power at a reasonable price point. The combination of top-tier national results and solid in-state standing makes it a compelling choice, particularly for students seeking quick entry into healthcare without accumulating significant debt.