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

Henderson Community College's practical nursing program earns below the national median but sits squarely in the middle for Kentucky—where healthcare wages run lower than many states. The first-year salary of $31,819 trails the national average by nearly $12,000, yet matches Kentucky's state median almost exactly. That 40th percentile ranking tells the real story: this is a perfectly average option within the state's nursing landscape.

The debt picture offers more encouragement. At $10,387, graduates borrow about 30% less than the national median for these programs, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 means most students can realistically manage repayment. Even more promising, earnings jump 34% by year four to $42,469—approaching what top Kentucky programs deliver right after graduation. For families considering this versus pricier alternatives like Beckfield ($48,479 starting) or Galen ($46,830), the modest debt load starts looking strategic.

The caveat: these figures come from a small graduating class, so individual outcomes may vary more than usual. For students planning to stay in Kentucky where LPN wages hover around $32,000, Henderson delivers predictable results at a manageable cost. Those hoping to match national earnings would need to relocate or pursue additional credentials.