Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Montana State University Billings

Montana State University Billings' practical nursing program graduates earn nearly $4,000 more than the national median for similar programs, with relatively modest debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 means graduates can expect to pay off their loans with roughly three and a half months of their first year's salary—a manageable burden for an entry-level healthcare credential.

With only four schools offering this program in Montana, comparing within the state is tricky, but MSU Billings sits right at the state median for both earnings and debt. Nationally, the program ranks in the 68th percentile for earnings, placing it comfortably above average. The $14,222 in median debt is slightly below the national median, giving graduates a solid financial starting point.

The major caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. However, the underlying value proposition is sound: practical nursing programs typically lead to steady employment, and this one delivers above-average earnings without excessive debt. For families looking at vocational healthcare training in Montana, this represents a low-risk pathway to a stable career, though you'll want to verify current job placement rates given the limited data.