Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Grand Rapids Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
grcc.eduAnalysis
Grand Rapids Community College's practical nursing certificate offers slightly above-average earnings at a below-average cost—a solid combination for students entering healthcare quickly. At $45,946 in first-year earnings and just $13,413 in debt, graduates face a manageable debt burden that represents less than three months of income. Among Michigan's 43 practical nursing programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings while carrying significantly less debt than the state median of $18,832.
The numbers tell a straightforward story: steady progression rather than standout performance. Earnings grow 10% by year four, reaching $50,348, which keeps pace with national trends for this credential. While some Michigan community colleges achieve notably higher outcomes—Schoolcraft tops $75,000—those programs may have different admission requirements or serve different regional healthcare markets. Grand Rapids delivers reliably middle-of-the-pack results that beat both state and national medians.
For families seeking affordable entry into nursing, this program checks the essential boxes: low debt, immediate employment prospects, and steady income growth. The certificate provides a practical pathway into healthcare without the extended commitment or cost of a four-year degree, making it particularly sensible for students who need to start earning quickly or want to test healthcare careers before pursuing further credentials.
Where Grand Rapids Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Grand Rapids Community College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids Community College | $45,946 | $50,348 | +10% |
| Gogebic Community College | $62,799 | $55,059 | -12% |
| Detroit Business Institute-Downriver | $52,535 | $54,446 | +4% |
| Davenport University | $55,249 | $54,038 | -2% |
| Northern Michigan University | $33,683 | $52,416 | +56% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (43 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Grand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids | $4,059 | $45,946 | $50,348 | $13,413 | 0.29 |
 Schoolcraft Community College DistrictLivonia | $4,448 | $75,104 | — | $21,575 | 0.29 |
 Gogebic Community CollegeIronwood | $5,590 | $62,799 | $55,059 | $14,000 | 0.22 |
 Muskegon Community CollegeMuskegon | $6,990 | $60,995 | — | $15,601 | 0.26 |
 Davenport UniversityGrand Rapids | $23,324 | $55,249 | $54,038 | $34,520 | 0.62 |
 Delta CollegeUniversity Center | $4,640 | $54,108 | — | $14,038 | 0.26 |
| 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 Grand Rapids Community College, approximately 27% 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 53 graduates with reported earnings and 68 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.