Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Coconino Community College

The first-year earnings of $36,719 place this program well below the national median of $51,744—landing in just the 5th percentile nationally. That's a significant gap. However, Arizona's nursing market tells a different story: this program sits at the 60th percentile statewide, meaning it actually outperforms most Arizona competitors. The catch? There are only two schools in Arizona offering this associate-level nursing program, making state comparisons less meaningful than they might seem.

The debt load of $14,487 is manageable, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39—graduates would need roughly five months of gross income to cover their loans. That's reasonable leverage for entering healthcare. The problem isn't the debt; it's that Arizona's practical nursing wages appear systematically lower than the national market. Graduates elsewhere are earning $15,000 more annually for similar credentials.

Given the small sample size (under 30 graduates), these numbers could swing considerably year to year. But the pattern suggests Arizona may not be the strongest market for LPN/LVN roles compared to other states. If your student plans to stay in Flagstaff or Arizona long-term, this program offers affordable entry into nursing. If they're willing to relocate after graduation—particularly to higher-paying markets in the South or Midwest—that same credential could command significantly better wages.