Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Unitek College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
unitekcollege.eduAnalysis
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.
Where Unitek College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Unitek College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unitek College | $66,221 | $65,202 | -2% |
| Unitek College | $61,838 | $69,596 | +13% |
| Unitek College | $66,221 | $65,202 | -2% |
| Medical Allied Career Center | $65,387 | $59,834 | -8% |
| Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts | $54,359 | $57,835 | +6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (122 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Unitek CollegeSouth San Francisco | — | $66,221 | $65,202 | $17,305 | 0.26 |
| Unitek CollegeHayward | — | $66,221 | $65,202 | $17,305 | 0.26 |
 Medical Allied Career CenterSanta Fe Springs | — | $65,387 | $59,834 | $17,130 | 0.26 |
 Hartnell CollegeSalinas | $1,404 | $63,321 | — | — | — |
 North-West College-Van NuysVan Nuys | — | $62,356 | $46,007 | $18,845 | 0.30 |
| Unitek CollegeFremont | — | $61,838 | $69,596 | $17,305 | 0.28 |
| National Median | — | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Unitek College, approximately 51% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 187 graduates with reported earnings and 302 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.