Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College

In Illinois, practical nursing programs range from powerhouses earning $64,000+ to more modest outcomes around $43,000—and based on comparable programs across the state, Daley College appears to land in the middle of this pack. The estimated first-year earnings of $43,000 align precisely with Illinois' median for LPN programs, suggesting typical outcomes rather than exceptional ones. With top Illinois programs producing earnings 30-50% higher, parents should recognize this represents a solid but not standout pathway into nursing.

The financial picture looks manageable, though. Similar programs at Illinois community colleges typically carry about $9,400 in debt—well below the national median of $14,800 for practical nursing credentials. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 means graduates would owe roughly the equivalent of two to three months' salary, a level that shouldn't strain most nursing budgets. Given that LPNs in healthcare settings often work full-time with benefits, this debt load appears serviceable.

The caveat: these figures represent what peer programs achieve, not what this specific program has reported. If your child values the City Colleges network and location in Chicago, the estimated economics suggest a reasonable investment—but it's worth asking the school directly about job placement rates and whether their graduates land positions that match these statewide typical earnings. For a nursing assistant stepping up to practical nursing, this looks like a financially sound move; for someone choosing between Illinois LPN programs, stronger performers exist at comparable community colleges.