Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Independence Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
indycc.eduAnalysis
Similar nursing programs across Kansas suggest this certificate could put graduates on track to earn around $43,000 in their first year—squarely in line with state and national medians for practical nursing credentials. With estimated debt of $14,168, graduates would owe roughly one-third of their first-year salary, a manageable ratio that reflects the relatively short duration of most LPN programs. For a field with immediate employment prospects and clear licensing requirements, these figures fall within the typical range for vocational nursing preparation.
The challenge is that this represents middle-of-the-pack performance in Kansas. Comparable programs at Donnelly College and Kansas City Kansas Community College show significantly higher first-year earnings—roughly $6,000 more—suggesting that not all LPN training produces identical outcomes. Given that the nursing assistant and practical nursing fields rely heavily on local labor markets and clinical placement quality, proximity to larger healthcare systems may drive these differences.
For families weighing this option, the debt level shouldn't be prohibitive, but the estimated earnings lag behind Kansas's strongest programs. If Independence offers geographic convenience or fits your family's situation in ways that justify staying close to home, the numbers suggest a viable path. If flexibility exists to consider programs in larger Kansas cities, peer institutions appear to deliver better earning potential for similar credential costs.
Where Independence Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Independence Community CollegeIndependence | $4,260 | $43,321* | — | $14,168* | — |
 Donnelly CollegeKansas City | $10,350 | $49,147* | $50,011 | $27,626* | 0.56 |
 Kansas City Kansas Community CollegeKansas City | $3,150 | $48,862* | $54,440 | $14,750* | 0.30 |
 Hutchinson Community CollegeHutchinson | $3,420 | $45,344* | $43,748 | $13,210* | 0.29 |
 Rasmussen University-KansasTopeka | $15,340 | $45,271* | $46,881 | $21,274* | 0.47 |
 Washburn Institute of TechnologyTopeka | $9,120 | $43,321* | $46,895 | $17,283* | 0.40 |
| 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 Independence Community College, approximately 40% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 11 similar programs in KS. Actual outcomes may vary.