Statista ranking published by USA TODAY evaluates schools based on graduation rates, graduate earnings, return on investment, social mobility, and diversity.
September 23, 2026
Exciting news for students considering healthcare careers: UCN’s South San Francisco (SSF), California, campus has been named to America’s Top Vocational Schools for 2026.
The national ranking recognizes schools based on student outcomes that can make a real difference, from graduation rates to return on investment.
For UCN students, the recognition highlights the career-focused education and opportunities available at the SSF campus as they work toward their goals in nursing and healthcare.
What Makes a Campus like SSF Stand Out?
The ranking looks beyond simply offering career training. It evaluates schools based on several factors that can have a meaningful impact on students’ futures.
Statista evaluated schools offering undergraduate certificate or diploma programs across five key measures:
- Graduation rate: How successfully students complete their programs
- Graduate salary: The earnings of graduates after completing their education
- Return on investment: How long it takes graduates to pay off the net cost of their education
- Social mobility: The role a school plays in helping students improve their economic opportunities
- Diversity: The diversity of the student population and learning environment
The analysis draws on publicly available data, including information from the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard.
Together, these measures give students a clearer picture of what they can expect from their education.
Preparing Students for Careers in Nursing and Healthcare
At UCN, the focus is on helping students develop the knowledge and practical skills they need to pursue careers in healthcare.
That includes preparing students for careers as licensed vocational nurses as well as future registered nurses through UCN’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
In 2025, UCN was California’s largest producer of Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) NCLEX test-takers and passers.
For students interested in nursing, that kind of career-focused education can provide a path toward entering one of the most in-demand fields in the nation.
Don’t just dream about a career in healthcare: start building it. Explore Unitek College of Nursing’s nationally recognized programs today.
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While this blog may occasionally contain information that relates to Unitek College's programs or courses, the majority of information provided within this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to represent the specific details of any educational offerings or opinions of Unitek College. *Please note that wage data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or other third-party sources may not be an accurate reflection of all areas of the country, may not account for the employees' years of experience, and may not reflect the wages or outlook of entry-level employees, such as graduates of our program. (accessed on 09/29/2026)
