Centra College ★ Hidden gem
Lynchburg, Virginia · Private, nonprofit · 219 undergraduates
All 3 programs with reported earnings leave graduates out-earning a typical Virginia high-school graduate (about $36,613/yr).
Program earnings vs a high-school graduate
| Program | Credential | Median earnings | vs HS grad | Verdict | Median debt | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | Associate's Degree | $76,213 | +$39,600 | clears the bar | $15,250 | 0.4 yrs |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants | Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma | $52,941 | +$16,328 | clears the bar | $9,500 | 0.6 yrs |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | Bachelor's Degree | $91,634 | +$55,021 | clears the bar | $12,767 | 0.2 yrs |
Access and outcomes: 47% of students receive Pell grants · 100% complete their program.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 2026-06-10). Earnings are median earnings of graduates measured up to four years after completing, compared to the state high-school-graduate earnings threshold. Figures describe past graduates and are never a promise. Method: methodology. Something look wrong? Report it.