Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at North Central Missouri College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
ncmissouri.eduAnalysis
North Central Missouri College's practical nursing program significantly outperforms both state and national benchmarks, placing graduates in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings. With first-year earnings of nearly $60,000—about $16,500 above Missouri's median for this program—this represents exceptional performance for a certificate program. Among Missouri's 33 practical nursing programs, only Mineral Area College produces higher early earnings. The debt load of $15,750 translates to a highly manageable 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates earn their total debt back in roughly three months.
This is particularly impressive given that practical nursing certificates typically lead to mid-range healthcare salaries. The program appears to connect graduates with higher-paying LPN positions or facilities willing to pay above-average wages in the region. For families concerned about nursing education costs, this combination—strong immediate earnings with modest debt—creates an unusually favorable financial outcome.
The value proposition is clear: this program delivers top-tier results within its field at a reasonable price point. For students certain about pursuing practical nursing and willing to attend in Trenton, Missouri, this represents one of the state's best options for launching a healthcare career without significant financial burden.
Where North Central Missouri College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How North Central Missouri College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (33 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 North Central Missouri CollegeTrenton | $4,950 | $59,889 | — | $15,750 | 0.26 |
 Mineral Area CollegePark Hills | $5,180 | $55,389 | $58,809 | $10,500 | 0.19 |
 Four Rivers Career CenterWashington | $18,345 | $50,931 | $37,889 | $14,913 | 0.29 |
 Cass Career CenterHarrisonville | — | $50,718 | $47,062 | $12,064 | 0.24 |
 Lex La-Ray Technical CenterLexington | — | $48,192 | — | $14,727 | 0.31 |
 Franklin Technology Center Adult EducationJoplin | — | $47,995 | — | $14,959 | 0.31 |
| National Median | — | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At North Central Missouri College, approximately 34% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 55 graduates with reported earnings and 79 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.