Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Kaskaskia College

In Illinois, practical nursing programs span a remarkably wide earnings range—from the mid-$40s to well over $60,000—and Kaskaskia's program lands squarely in the middle tier. Graduates earn $43,289 in their first year, essentially matching the state median but trailing the top programs by $20,000 or more. That gap matters: it's the difference between comfortable stability and financial breathing room in a demanding profession.

The financial fundamentals look manageable. Based on debt levels from comparable Illinois programs, students likely leave with around $9,440—less than two-thirds the national average for practical nursing certificates. That creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans in under three months of gross income. The concerning detail is the flat earnings trajectory: income actually dips slightly by year four, suggesting limited advancement opportunities without additional credentials.

For families weighing this option, the program offers affordable entry into nursing but not the higher earning potential available at other Illinois schools. The low debt minimizes financial risk, making this a safer bet than many nursing programs nationally. However, if your student could gain admission to one of the state's top-performing programs—particularly at another community college like Illinois Central or Illinois Eastern—the $12,000-plus earnings premium would quickly justify any modest difference in cost.