Nursing at Piedmont Virginia Community College

First-year earnings of $68,466 track close to the $69,474 national median for Nursing programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 79.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 39% task exposure — and the 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Nursing graduates.

At $10,500 in median debt against $68,466 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Ranked #457 out of 947 programs, Piedmont Virginia Community College's Nursing offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $68,466 to $77,265 over five years (13% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

Nursing connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.