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

The estimated $14,168 in debt here looks manageable against first-year earnings of around $43,300—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 that keeps loan payments within reasonable bounds. Based on comparable practical nursing programs across Kansas, graduates typically enter a stable field with immediate job prospects, though it's worth noting that several peer programs in the state produce slightly higher earnings, with top programs pushing closer to $49,000.

What matters for practical nursing is licensure pass rates and local job placement, neither of which these financial estimates can tell you. The debt figure is slightly below the Kansas median for similar programs, which is positive, but the earnings estimate sits right at the state average—suggesting this program performs comparably to others statewide rather than standing out. For a one-year certificate that leads directly to employment, these numbers represent a reasonable investment if your child is committed to nursing.

The key uncertainty here is that both figures come from peer programs rather than Coffeyville's actual graduates, so connecting directly with the school about their specific NCLEX pass rates and employer relationships would help confirm whether this program delivers on the financial promise these estimates suggest. If those outcomes align with the state pattern, you're looking at a practical pathway into healthcare with debt that shouldn't derail other financial goals.