Practical Nursing at UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ

Cranford, NJ · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

with a mid-sized student body of 7,760 in Cranford, NJ.

Program Analysis

UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ Practical Nursing graduates command $57,957/yr out of the gate, well above the $44,151 national median. That 31% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 121.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Practical Nursing programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 5% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $15,250 in median debt clears fast against $57,957 in annual earnings.

At #28 of 703 nationally, this is a top-5% Practical Nursing program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $63,315 are relatively flat compared to the $57,957 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

There are 2 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Practical Nursing, including Nurse, Licensed Practical (median $62,340/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

84 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
82
Low End
84
Score
84
High End
Earnings $57,957/yr (31% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$641K
2.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
121.5x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
2 of 2
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$5,280
Out-of-state: $9,500
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,250
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,315
9% growth from Year 1

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%
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
$62,340
+2.6% growth 75% AI-proof
Nursing assistants
$39,530
+2.3% growth 90% AI-proof

Practical Nursing Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Practical Nursing careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Practical Nursing at UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ?
This program scores 84/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Practical Nursing nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
How safe is Practical Nursing from automation?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Practical Nursing work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ's score of 84/100 reflects this durability.
What's the typical debt for Practical Nursing graduates from UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ?
At $15,250 in median debt, Practical Nursing graduates from UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
What makes UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ's Practical Nursing program stand out?
Ranked #28 of 703 programs nationally, UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Are there apprenticeship options for Practical Nursing?
Yes — 2 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Practical Nursing career paths, including Nurse, Licensed Practical. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ.
Will Practical Nursing graduates from UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ find jobs?
With approximately 258,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Practical Nursing offers a very large employment pool. UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →