Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Herzing University-Kenosha

Herzing University-Kenosha's practical nursing program stands out sharply in Wisconsin, placing in the 80th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $47,310—nearly $10,000 above the state median of $37,000. For a certificate program serving a predominantly working-class population (62% receive Pell grants), these outcomes deliver meaningful economic mobility. Graduates earn solidly above the national median too, ranking in the 64th percentile nationally, and see healthy earnings growth to $56,000 by year four.

The debt picture makes this particularly attractive. At $22,586, borrowing sits well below both the national median ($14,803 is misleadingly low as many students don't borrow at all) and results in a 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates earn roughly double what they owe in their first year. That's manageable repayment by any standard. The program ties with Herzing's Madison campus for top earnings among Wisconsin practical nursing programs, suggesting institutional strength in clinical placements and employer relationships.

For families weighing a quick path to stable healthcare employment, this program offers one of the better value propositions in Wisconsin. The combination of above-average starting salaries, reasonable debt, and solid earnings trajectory makes the investment worthwhile, especially for students who need to enter the workforce quickly rather than pursuing a lengthier BSN degree.