Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Denmark Technical College

Based on comparable programs across South Carolina, Denmark Technical College's practical nursing program appears positioned right at the state median, with estimated first-year earnings of $47,544. That's solid for a healthcare credential, though peer programs at York Tech and Orangeburg Calhoun suggest stronger outcomes are possible—their graduates earn $6,000-$7,000 more annually. The estimated earnings here do edge above the national median of $44,134, which reflects South Carolina's reasonably strong market for practical nurses.

The debt estimate of $22,500 tells a different story. While practical nursing programs nationally typically leave students with around $14,800 in debt, South Carolina's technical colleges consistently run higher—all seven comparable programs cluster near this $22,500 figure. That's 52% above the national norm for this credential. Even with the decent earnings estimate, you're looking at debt equal to nearly half a year's salary, which makes the first few years tight for loan repayment while working in an entry-level nursing role.

For a family where 40% of students need Pell grants, this debt load matters. Similar programs produce graduates who can manage these loans, but the gap between what Denmark's peers charge versus what top-performing programs in the state deliver should prompt a direct conversation with the financial aid office about the actual costs your child would face.