Standard Healthcare Services-College of Nursing

This is a laser-focused nursing institution with just two program areas: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse and Practical Nursing. The curriculum is described as 'fast-paced' and demanding, with students noting the need for 'strong self-discipline' to keep up. One Reddit post from a former LPN student details a grueling schedule—14-hour days for a program costing over $20,000—while others praise instructors for their clinical knowledge. The school markets itself as 'student-centered,' but the intensity suggests it’s best suited for those who thrive under pressure.

The campus at 8230 Leesburg Pike in Vienna, VA, serves a 'culturally diverse' population—87% African American—in what students call a 'supportive but stressful' environment. There’s little mention of traditional college social life; instead, reviews describe a culture of 'determination' among adult learners juggling coursework and external responsibilities. The school’s mission emphasizes a 'multi-cultural' learning space, but calendars and forums suggest minimal extracurriculars beyond academics. This isn’t a place for football games or Greek life—it’s a vocational sprint.

The numbers tell a story of resilience: a 72.28% on-time graduation rate for the first nursing cohort, rising to 87.95% completion with extended time. Overall graduation rates hover between 59-86%, depending on the metric. The payoff is tangible—median earnings hit $84,711, well above national averages for certificate programs. The school’s 2024 financials show 51.6% of its $7.29M budget went to salaries, suggesting investment in faculty over amenities. For those who endure the pace, the ROI is clear.

Tuition here demands sacrifice. The average net price is $34,827 after aid, with federal grants covering $7,149 for 78% of students and loans burdening 80% with $10,095 in debt. One student reported paying $20,000+ for the LPN program alone. While the school participates in federal aid programs, institutional grants are nonexistent—this isn’t a place for merit scholarships. The financial equation is stark: high costs, minimal discounts, but strong earnings potential post-graduation.

Standard College of Nursing is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a rare breed: a hyper-focused, minority-serving institution where adult learners—mostly African American women—grind through an accelerated nursing program with near-military discipline. The 22-28% acceptance rate?Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. filters for commitment, and the 72-86% completion rates reflect a sink-or-swim ethos. You won’t find climbing walls or study abroad here—just a direct, debt-laden path to a $84,711 median salary. For those who can handle the pressure, it’s a turbocharged launchpad into healthcare.