Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech's practical nursing program significantly outperforms both national and state expectations, with graduates earning $50,081 in their first year—well above the national median of $44,134 and Indiana's $43,928. Among Indiana's practical nursing programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, and it performs even better nationally at the 75th percentile. When compared to Vincennes University's program, which produces graduates earning $37,774, Ivy Tech's advantage becomes even more apparent.

The financial picture looks solid with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29, meaning students can expect to earn about $3.50 for every dollar borrowed. At $14,317, the median debt sits close to both national and state averages, making this a reasonably affordable path into healthcare. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates adds confidence to these numbers.

The main limitation is minimal earnings growth—just 1% over four years—suggesting this represents an entry-level healthcare role rather than a stepping stone to higher-paying positions. However, for parents seeking a reliable, quick entry into a stable healthcare career, this program delivers strong immediate returns with manageable debt, making it a practical choice for students ready to enter the workforce quickly.