Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Kansas City Kansas Community College

Kansas City Kansas Community College's practical nursing program outperforms most Kansas programs while keeping debt manageable—a straightforward value proposition for students seeking quick entry into healthcare. At $48,862 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about $5,500 more than the typical Kansas nursing assistant program and nearly $5,000 above the national median. They rank in the 60th percentile statewide and 70th nationally, placing behind only a handful of Kansas programs including Donnelly College. With debt around $14,750—essentially matching state and national norms—the debt burden represents just 30% of first-year income, meaning graduates can realistically pay this off within a couple of years of focused repayment.

The 11% earnings bump from year one to year four ($54,440) suggests graduates either advance within their roles or transition into better-paying positions, which is typical as LPNs gain experience and sometimes pursue additional certifications. Given that nearly a third of students receive Pell grants, this program serves as an accessible pathway for lower-income students to reach middle-class earnings quickly.

For families weighing options, this program delivers what it promises: rapid workforce entry with earnings that exceed most alternatives in Kansas, all without taking on excessive debt. It's a solid choice for students who want stable healthcare employment without committing to a four-year degree.