Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at CAAN Academy of Nursing
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
caanacademy.orgAnalysis
CAAN Academy graduates earn $55,822 within a year of completion—outperforming 95% of similar nursing programs nationwide and ranking in the 80th percentile among Illinois schools. That puts them neck-and-neck with Illinois Central College and approaching the state's top-performing programs, while starting from a moderate tuition base of $22,398 in debt.
The debt load sits higher than Illinois's median of $9,625 for practical nursing programs, but the 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can reasonably pay this off within a year or two of focused repayment. More importantly, they're earning $12,000 more annually than the typical Illinois practical nursing graduate—a premium that compounds significantly over a career. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, the school is successfully serving lower-income students while delivering outcomes that rival the state's best programs.
This is a clear win for families seeking reliable healthcare credentials. The premium tuition translates directly into premium outcomes, with earnings that approach the top tier in Illinois. For students committed to practical nursing and willing to borrow modestly, CAAN delivers strong ROI in a field with consistent demand.
Where CAAN Academy of Nursing Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How CAAN Academy of Nursing graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (56 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 CAAN Academy of NursingMatteson | — | $55,822 | — | $22,398 | 0.40 |
 Ambria College of NursingHoffman Estates | — | $64,712 | $58,774 | $11,878 | 0.18 |
 Verve CollegeOak Brook | — | $63,593 | $63,546 | $14,933 | 0.23 |
 Illinois Eastern Community CollegesOlney | $4,390 | $56,008 | — | $7,500 | 0.13 |
 Illinois Central CollegeEast Peoria | $4,650 | $55,604 | — | $12,700 | 0.23 |
 MDT College of Health SciencesChicago | $21,600 | $54,894 | $58,778 | $26,250 | 0.48 |
| National Median | — | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At CAAN Academy of Nursing, approximately 47% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.