Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Clinton Technical School
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Clinton Technical School's practical nursing program produces graduates earning about $40,000 annually—roughly $3,000 below Missouri's median for similar programs and $4,000 below the national average. While the relatively modest debt of $14,307 keeps the financial risk manageable, the slight earnings decline from year one to year four suggests limited income growth potential. Among Missouri's 33 practical nursing programs, this ranks at the 40th percentile, meaning six out of ten similar in-state programs deliver better outcomes.
The gap becomes clearer when comparing Clinton to stronger Missouri options. Top performers like North Central Missouri College ($59,889) and Mineral Area College ($55,389) show graduates can earn $15,000-$20,000 more annually with similar training lengths. Even mid-tier programs like Cass Career Center push past $50,000 in first-year earnings—25% higher than Clinton's typical graduate.
The program does keep debt reasonable, and with two-thirds of students receiving Pell grants, it serves a population that needs affordable pathways. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift significantly year to year. For families prioritizing maximum earning potential in practical nursing, other Missouri programs offer substantially better returns on roughly the same time and debt investment.
Where Clinton Technical School Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Clinton Technical School graduates compare to all programs nationally
Clinton Technical School graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 31th percentile of all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (33 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinton Technical School | $39,989 | $39,278 | $14,307 | 0.36 |
| North Central Missouri College | $59,889 | — | $15,750 | 0.26 |
| Mineral Area College | $55,389 | $58,809 | $10,500 | 0.19 |
| Four Rivers Career Center | $50,931 | $37,889 | $14,913 | 0.29 |
| Cass Career Center | $50,718 | $47,062 | $12,064 | 0.24 |
| Lex La-Ray Technical Center | $48,192 | — | $14,727 | 0.31 |
| National Median | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Programs in Missouri
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Missouri schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Central Missouri College Trenton | $4,950 | $59,889 | $15,750 |
| Mineral Area College Park Hills | $5,180 | $55,389 | $10,500 |
| Four Rivers Career Center Washington | $18,345 | $50,931 | $14,913 |
| Cass Career Center Harrisonville | — | $50,718 | $12,064 |
| Lex La-Ray Technical Center Lexington | — | $48,192 | $14,727 |
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 Clinton Technical School, approximately 68% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 26 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.