Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Lake Superior College

Lake Superior College's nursing assistant program starts with a salary advantage—$47,190 beats both Minnesota's $42,896 median and the national average by roughly $3,000. The debt load of $11,969 is significantly lighter than the $18,866 Minnesota median, giving graduates a 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio that's quite manageable. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift considerably year to year.

The concerning trend is the earnings decline: salaries drop to $41,488 by year four, falling below both state and national benchmarks. This backward trajectory is unusual for healthcare and suggests graduates may be hitting the ceiling quickly in LPN/nursing assistant roles, or potentially leaving the field. Among Minnesota's 25 programs, Lake Superior sits solidly at the 60th percentile—respectable but not exceptional, with Dakota County Technical and several others delivering notably higher four-year outcomes.

For families, this works as an affordable entry point into healthcare with immediate earning potential, but plan beyond the certificate. The lower debt matters considerably, and the initial salary provides a reasonable foundation. Just recognize that this appears to be a stepping stone credential rather than a long-term endpoint—many successful graduates likely use it to gain experience while pursuing RN licensure or other advancement.