Practical Nursing at Caribbean University-Carolina

Carolina, PR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $10,084/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk Low (18% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)
ROI 18.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #3 of 6 Practical Nursing programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

The earnings data you've reviewed for this program largely reflects the distinct economic realities of the Puerto Rican labor market. Wages for practical nursing and nursing assistant roles in Carolina and across the island are shaped by local cost of living and healthcare funding structures, which often differ significantly from mainland U.S. compensation benchmarks. This program provides essential, hands-on training for vital roles within local hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Graduates are crucial to supporting patient care in communities that rely heavily on dedicated healthcare professionals. To best leverage your education, focus on networking with local employers during your program. Securing externships or part-time work can provide invaluable connections and practical experience, helping you understand specific employer needs and positioning you for strong local job placement immediately after graduation.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Practical Nursing graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $443K $444K $438K
Earnings Multiple 18.6x 18.6x 18.4x
Probability of Field Employment 87% 85% 76%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$23,864
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$30,540
-28% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,250
18.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$29,029
188% growth from Year 1

About Caribbean University-Carolina

with a smaller student body of 113 in Carolina, PR. 72% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Caribbean University-Carolina →

Top Career Paths

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses $62,340/yr
Nursing assistants $39,530/yr
View all 2 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Caribbean University-Carolina

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Practical Nursing at Caribbean University-Carolina?
At 37/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Practical Nursing programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Practical Nursing degree from Caribbean University-Carolina?
At $15,250 in median debt, graduates carry 18 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Caribbean University-Carolina a good choice for Practical Nursing despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Caribbean University-Carolina's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →