Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Bismarck State College

Bismarck State College's nursing program graduates earn nearly 40% more than the typical nursing assistant or LPN nationally, placing them in the 95th percentile for this credential. At $61,629 in first-year earnings with under $18,300 in debt, the program delivers a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30—meaning graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their loans within a year or two of working. This is among the strongest financial outcomes you'll find for a practical nursing certificate.

Within North Dakota, the picture is equally solid though less exceptional. The program sits at the 60th percentile for earnings among the state's five nursing programs, essentially matching the state median. This makes sense in a state where nursing wages are consistently high across institutions—North Dakota pays practical nurses well regardless of where they train. The debt level is exactly at the state median, suggesting Bismarck State prices its program competitively with local alternatives.

For parents weighing this option, the math is straightforward: their child will graduate with manageable debt and immediately earn a solid middle-class income in a field with reliable employment. While students won't necessarily out-earn peers from other North Dakota programs, they're entering a strong regional job market with minimal financial risk.