Annenberg School of Nursing

This is a single-program shop: Annenberg exclusively offers a Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) certificate, with coursework tightly aligned to the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. The school touts small class sizes and faculty with real-world experience, though there’s no mention of advanced degrees or research opportunities. Its 91.67% NCLEX-PN pass rate (per 2022 state data) suggests strong exam preparation—a critical metric for vocational programs. While Annenberg lacks the breadth of university nursing schools, its Facebook page claims it’s ranked among California’s top LVN programs.

Don’t expect quads or football games—Annenberg is a commuter school with no dorms or traditional campus amenities. The sparse online presence suggests minimal organized student activities; the focus is squarely on clinical training. That said, nursing schools often foster tight-knit cohorts through shared clinical rotations, and Annenberg’s small size (just 4-30 students per year) likely creates an intimate learning environment. For extracurriculars, students would need to look beyond campus.

The numbers tell a pragmatic success story: 66.7% graduation rate (above peer averages) and strong exam performance. Graduates earn $36,427 one year out and $45,519 after five years—solid returns for a short program. The 91.67% NCLEX-PN pass rate (2022) far exceeds California’s average, a key selling point. Note that 33.3% of graduates are men, unusually high for nursing, suggesting Annenberg attracts career-changers.

Annenberg is affordable by healthcare education standards, with 78% of students receiving institutional grants averaging $3,571. Federal aid is common (67% get loans, 33% grants), and the net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests costs are transparent. While tuition isn’t listed outright, sources imply total costs are under $20k annually—a fraction of a BSN program. The ROI is clear: graduates recoup costs quickly on LVN salaries.

Annenberg is the anti-university: no frills, no electives, just a hyper-efficient path to an LVN credential. Its open admissions and high pass rates make it a rare program that’s both accessible and effective. Perfect for career-changers or budget-conscious students who want to enter healthcare fast, though those seeking a traditional college experience should look elsewhere. In a state with a nursing shortage, Annenberg delivers exactly what it promises: competent vocational nurses, no extras.