Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Iowa Western Community College

The small sample size here demands caution, but the available data suggests Iowa Western's practical nursing program faces a troubling earnings problem in the first year. At $33,043, graduates earn nearly $11,000 less than the national median for these programs—landing in just the 15th percentile nationally. Even within Iowa, where nursing salaries run lower overall, this program sits below the state median. Compare this to Eastern Iowa Community College District's LPN program, where graduates earn $45,662 initially, or even Des Moines Area CC at $34,390.

The 70% earnings jump by year four tells a more encouraging story, suggesting graduates eventually find better-paying positions or gain certifications that boost their income. The $18,000 debt load is reasonable—actually lower than you'd pay at most schools nationally—which means the debt-to-earnings ratio improves substantially as salaries climb. However, that first year appears financially challenging, with debt representing more than half of initial earnings.

With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could shift dramatically with more data. If your child is considering this program, the key question is whether they can manage that difficult first year financially while working toward the better compensation that seems to come later. The modest debt helps, but the initial earning period looks considerably weaker than alternatives within driving distance.