Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Milwaukee Area Technical College

Milwaukee Area Technical College's practical nursing program shows how debt levels, not just earnings, determine value. While first-year earnings of $36,583 fall short of the national median by nearly $8,000, graduates carry $19,709 in debt—significantly higher than Wisconsin's typical $12,000 for these programs. That debt load ranks in the 81st percentile statewide, meaning most Wisconsin nursing students graduate owing considerably less for similar credentials.

The earnings trajectory offers some redemption: four-year earnings jump to $52,069, a 42% increase that surpasses both state and national medians. However, several private schools in Wisconsin—including Herzing's campuses and Rasmussen—deliver stronger first-year earnings around $45,000-$47,000, giving graduates a faster path to financial stability. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 is manageable but not exceptional given what's achievable elsewhere in the state.

For families prioritizing affordability in nursing education, this program requires careful comparison shopping. The earnings growth is real, but starting nearly $20,000 in debt for a credential that initially pays below-average wages creates an unnecessarily steep climb. If MATC is the local option and avoids housing costs, it can work. Otherwise, investigate whether nearby alternatives offer better value—particularly other technical colleges in Wisconsin that might deliver similar outcomes with less debt.