Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Ivy Tech Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
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.
Where Ivy Tech Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Ivy Tech Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ivy Tech Community College graduates earn $50k, placing them in the 75th percentile of all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (3 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College | $50,081 | $50,670 | $14,317 | 0.29 |
| Vincennes University | $37,774 | $46,993 | $14,908 | 0.39 |
| National Median | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vincennes University Vincennes | $6,886 | $37,774 | $14,908 |
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 Ivy Tech Community College, approximately 23% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 324 graduates with reported earnings and 595 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.