Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Maysville Community and Technical College

Maysville Community and Technical College's nursing program sits squarely in the middle of Kentucky options—exactly at the state median for earnings—but trails significantly behind both national nursing programs and the state's top performers. That $31,865 first-year salary is less than three-quarters of what similar programs typically deliver nationwide, and roughly $17,000 below what graduates earn at Kentucky schools like Beckfield College or Galen College.

The $12,858 in debt is manageable with a 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates can expect to earn back their investment in less than half a year. Earnings do grow to nearly $37,000 by year four, a respectable 16% increase. For families focused on keeping costs low while staying local, this represents a functional entry point into healthcare work. The program serves a meaningful role for its community, with 34% of students receiving Pell grants.

However, parents should recognize the earnings ceiling here. Even the four-year figure remains well below what new graduates earn at higher-performing Kentucky programs. If your student can access programs in Louisville or Florence—even with slightly higher costs—the earnings premium would likely justify the investment. This works best for students who need immediate employment close to home and understand they're trading peak earning potential for accessibility.