Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at National Park College

National Park College's practical nursing program graduates earn above the Arkansas median and manage a relatively low debt load, but the earnings trajectory tells a complicated story. While first-year earnings of $42,364 sit comfortably in the state's 60th percentile—outperforming programs like North Arkansas College and Arkansas State-Newport—there's an 8% drop by year four. That decline might reflect the reality that LPN positions often have limited advancement without additional credentials, though the moderate sample size means individual career choices could be skewing the pattern.

The financial fundamentals still work in graduates' favor. With debt under $14,000, students owe just one-third of their first-year salary—a manageable burden that keeps monthly payments reasonable even if earnings plateau or dip. For families where 47% of students qualify for Pell grants, that low debt threshold matters enormously. You're not gambling on whether an LPN salary can support loan payments; at these levels, it clearly can.

The gap between this program and top Arkansas performers like Baptist Health College Little Rock ($48,332) suggests there may be stronger options in the state. But if location or admission requirements make those inaccessible, National Park delivers employable skills at a price point that won't haunt your child's budget for years. Just understand that career growth likely requires stepping back into school for an RN degree down the road.