Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Lakeshore Technical College

With fewer than 30 graduates in the sample, treat these numbers as directional rather than definitive, but Lakeshore Technical College's practical nursing program shows two clear advantages: exceptionally low debt and solid performance within Wisconsin. At $7,000 in borrowing, graduates here carry less than half the debt of typical Wisconsin peers ($12,000) and far less than the national median of nearly $15,000. This translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.18—meaning graduates owe roughly two months of first-year salary.

The earnings tell a more nuanced story. Starting pay of $39,553 sits above Wisconsin's state median ($36,984) and ranks this program in the 60th percentile among in-state options, though it lags the national median by about $4,600. By year four, graduates see meaningful growth to $45,131, narrowing that gap. If you're comparing Wisconsin programs, Lakeshore holds its own against most competitors while demanding significantly less debt. The Herzing campuses show higher earnings, but you'd need to weigh whether that $2,000-$8,000 difference justifies potentially taking on more debt.

For Wisconsin families, this represents a practical path into nursing with minimal financial risk. The combination of below-market debt and middle-tier in-state earnings creates breathing room for new graduates. Just remember the small sample size means your child's outcome could vary more than at larger programs.