Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Clinton Technical School
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
clintoncardinals.orgAnalysis
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
Earnings Distribution
How Clinton Technical School graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinton Technical School | $39,989 | $39,278 | -2% |
| Mineral Area College | $55,389 | $58,809 | +6% |
| Applied Tech | $43,456 | $53,312 | +23% |
| Moberly Area Community College | $44,405 | $50,778 | +14% |
| Cass Career Center | $50,718 | $47,062 | -7% |
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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Clinton Technical SchoolClinton | — | $39,989 | $39,278 | $14,307 | 0.36 |
 North Central Missouri CollegeTrenton | $4,950 | $59,889 | — | $15,750 | 0.26 |
 Mineral Area CollegePark Hills | $5,180 | $55,389 | $58,809 | $10,500 | 0.19 |
 Four Rivers Career CenterWashington | $18,345 | $50,931 | $37,889 | $14,913 | 0.29 |
 Cass Career CenterHarrisonville | — | $50,718 | $47,062 | $12,064 | 0.24 |
 Lex La-Ray Technical CenterLexington | — | $48,192 | — | $14,727 | 0.31 |
| 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 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.