Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Metropolitan Community College Area

The most striking aspect of this program is the sharp upward trajectory from first to fourth year: while comparable LPN programs nationally suggest starting earnings around $44,000, graduates here reach $63,000 by year four—well above what typical LPN programs produce. That $19,000 jump suggests either significant overtime opportunities, strong wage growth in Omaha's healthcare market, or graduates moving into higher-paying roles within nursing.

The debt burden sits at $10,041, which is notably lower than both the state median ($15,489) and national median ($14,803) for LPN programs. Against first-year earnings from peer programs, this translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23, meaning a graduate could theoretically pay off the full loan amount with about three months of gross income. The program's debt level ranks in the 81st percentile nationally—meaning it carries more debt than most similar programs—but what matters more is the absolute dollar figure, which remains quite reasonable for healthcare training.

The practical reality: this looks like a solid entry point into healthcare with minimal financial risk. The debt is low enough that even if your child's starting salary falls below the national estimate, the burden won't be crushing. And the four-year earnings data—which is actual, not estimated—suggests strong income potential once established in the field. For families seeking a quick pathway to stable healthcare employment in the Omaha area, the numbers support that strategy.