Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Lewis-Clark State College

Lewis-Clark State College's practical nursing associate degree carries an estimated debt load of $18,241—slightly below the national median for these programs—while peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $51,744. That 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably within manageable territory, meaning graduates would owe roughly four months of their annual salary. For a nursing credential that provides direct entry to the workforce, this represents a reasonable financial starting point.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With only two schools offering this program in Idaho and limited graduate outcome data available, we're relying entirely on national benchmarks rather than how this specific program performs. Nursing markets vary significantly by region, and Idaho's healthcare economy may offer different opportunities than the national average suggests. The positive signal is that practical nursing programs generally produce consistent outcomes nationwide—this isn't a field with wild variability between schools—but you won't know whether Lewis-Clark's specific program connects graduates effectively to Idaho employers until more data emerges.

For parents considering this investment, the estimated numbers suggest a workable proposition if your child is committed to nursing. The debt appears controllable on a practical nurse's salary, and the profession offers clear job pathways. However, if possible, speak directly with recent graduates or the program's career services office to understand actual placement rates and starting salaries for Lewis-Clark graduates specifically—information the federal data can't currently provide.