Sumner College

This is a single-track institution: 100% of Sumner's programs are healthcare-focused, with degrees in Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN), Registered Nursing (RN to BSN), and Medical Assisting. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training—its new Clinical Simulation Lab allows students to practice IV insertions and patient assessments on high-fidelity mannequins. While the college touts 'critical thinking' and 'interdisciplinary collaboration,' Reddit threads reveal a polarizing reality: some students call it a 'degree mill' for those who thrive on self-directed learning, while others praise the accelerated 10-week cohorts that fast-track clinical hours. Notably, Sumner's nursing programs have earned recognition in Niche's Best Colleges rankings—a rarity for such a hyper-specialized school.

Don't expect raucous football games or Greek life here—Sumner's campus vibe skews more 'commuter clinic' than 'collegiate community.' Reviews describe a 'clean, safe environment' with 'friendly staff,' but social life is virtually nonexistent; Niche notes 'few extracurricular activities' beyond study groups. The college attempts to foster connection through a 'student engagement philosophy' (including $123,000 in annual scholarships), but Yelp reviewers confirm the dominant culture is 'quiet' and transactional. This isn't the place for holistic undergrad experiences—it's where working adults hustle through clinical rotations between shifts at Portland hospitals.

Sumner's real selling point? Staggering ROI for a certificate college. Its 83-85% graduation rate dwarfs the 68% national median, and alumni earnings ($63,316-$74,014) more than double typical certificate-holder incomes. Nursing grads report 80-90% job placement within six months, with median salaries hitting $46,639 within a decade—though BSN holders can expect $80,010 averages. The catch: these numbers likely reflect Oregon's nursing shortages more than institutional prestige. Still, for a school this accessible, the outcomes are undeniably strong.

At $19,994 average 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. after aid, Sumner is pricier than community colleges but cheaper than most private nursing schools. 88% of students receive financial aid, with average awards of $5,058 (though Pell Grants max out at $4,888). The school distributes just five scholarships annually—hardly generous, but its earnings potential softens the blow. Pro tip: Use their Net Price Calculator; with such small cohorts, individual packages vary wildly.

Sumner College is the anti-Ivy: no selectivity, no campus life, no pretensions. Its value proposition is brutally pragmatic—efficient nursing training with shockingly strong earnings. While elite universities tout 'holistic development,' Sumner delivers IV-certified competence in 10-week sprints. Ideal for career-changers who want scrubs, not semesters, it's a rare case where low prestige (and Reddit skepticism) doesn't preclude high ROI.