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

Similar practical nursing programs across Kansas suggest first-year earnings around $43,000 against roughly $14,000 in debt—a manageable 0.33 ratio that should allow graduates to handle loan payments while building their careers. That estimate aligns closely with national figures for this credential, though it's worth noting that some Kansas programs with reported outcomes show graduates earning $45,000-$49,000 in their first year out.

The lower Pell grant percentage at Highland (17%) compared to most community colleges might signal a student body with more financial resources coming in, potentially reducing reliance on loans beyond the estimated median. For practical nursing credentials, speed to workforce matters as much as cost—these programs typically take a year or less to complete, meaning graduates can start earning quickly rather than accumulating years of debt.

The key consideration here is that these figures come from peer programs statewide, not Highland's actual graduates. If you're deciding between Highland and schools with reported outcomes like Donnelly or Kansas City Kansas Community College (both showing $48,000+ earnings), you'd have concrete numbers to weigh against Highland's location advantages or scheduling flexibility. For a one-year nursing credential, $14,000 in debt is reasonable—but confirm Highland's actual job placement rates and whether their clinical partnerships match the strength of programs with documented outcomes.