Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Green River College

Green River College's practical nursing program carries an estimated $13,671 in debt, which is notably lighter than both the Washington state median ($15,769) and the national benchmark ($14,803). With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, graduates based on similar programs would owe roughly four months of first-year salary—a manageable burden that should allow for steady financial progress post-graduation.

The trajectory here matters more than the starting point. While first-year earnings from comparable programs nationally suggest around $44,000, the actual reported figure four years out jumps to $58,324. That's well above what most practical nursing programs in Washington produce at the four-year mark, suggesting this credential opens doors to higher-paying positions as graduates gain experience and potentially additional certifications. Other technical colleges in Washington with reported data show similar patterns, with Clover Park and Olympic College graduates earning in the $48-53K range early on.

The lower debt load combined with strong mid-career earnings makes this program financially viable for students entering the nursing field. Parents should know they're looking at estimates for the early earnings figure, but the four-year data is actual and demonstrates clear income growth. For students committed to healthcare work, this represents a practical entry point without the debt burden that often comes with longer nursing programs.