Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center Practical Nursing

Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center's practical nursing program charges more debt for less earning power than most Pennsylvania alternatives. With first-year earnings of $44,551 and debt of $20,740, graduates start near the national median but significantly below Pennsylvania's $47,572 median—landing this program in just the 40th percentile statewide. More concerning, earnings actually decline to $40,792 by year four, an 8% drop that's unusual in healthcare fields where experience typically increases compensation.

The debt picture offers a silver lining: at $20,740, it remains relatively manageable with a 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than half their first year's salary. That's more favorable than many higher-education programs. Still, Pennsylvania students have considerably better options. Top programs like Delaware County Technical School produce graduates earning $65,986—over $20,000 more annually—while similarly affordable programs like Lebanon County Area Vocational Technical School deliver $54,915 in first-year earnings.

For families considering this program, the question is whether convenience or location justifies accepting $3,000 less in annual earnings compared to the state median. The 60% Pell grant rate suggests this program serves students who need local, accessible training, which has real value. But if travel to another Pennsylvania technical school is feasible, the earnings difference compounds significantly over a career—potentially $100,000+ over a decade compared to top state programs.