Practical Nursing at Cayuga Onondaga BOCES-Practical Nursing Program
A 31% acceptance rate puts Cayuga Onondaga BOCES-Practical Nursing Program in competitive admissions territory, a compact campus enrolling 36 students in Auburn, NY.
Program Analysis
At $39,004/yr, Practical Nursing graduates from Cayuga Onondaga BOCES-Practical Nursing Program land near the $44,151 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
With a 34.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 13% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Practical Nursing involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.
The median debt load of $7,843 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
A #572 ranking among 703 Practical Nursing programs places Cayuga Onondaga BOCES-Practical Nursing Program in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The limited growth from $39,004 to $45,561 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
For students considering alternatives, 2 registered apprenticeship programs align with Practical Nursing careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Practical Nursing graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses | $62,340 | +2.6% | 75% |
| Nursing assistants | $39,530 | +2.3% | 90% |
About Practical Nursing Careers
Your career begins on the front lines of patient care as a nursing assistant. In a hospital or long-term care facility, your active days will be spent helping patients with essential tasks like bathing, eating, and moving safely. You’ll be a vital part of the medical team, taking blood pressure and temperature and serving as the eyes and ears for the supervising nurses.
Compare & Explore
Practical Nursing Overview
Practical Nursing at Other Schools
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.