Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at North Country Community College

North Country Community College's practical nursing program produces graduates who earn slightly above both the New York state median ($45,021) and national average ($44,134), placing them in the 60th percentile statewide. The $16,000 in typical debt translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, meaning graduates owe roughly four months of salary. However, these numbers come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual results could vary significantly.

The gap between this program and New York's top performers is substantial—schools like Transitions Career Institute ($65,992) and AMG School of Nursing ($64,878) produce graduates earning 40% more. Whether that matters depends on your child's priorities: North Country's rural Adirondack location offers lower living costs and a different lifestyle than downstate programs, which could offset some of the earnings difference. The debt load here is also relatively modest compared to alternatives.

For families comfortable with the uncertainty of a small program and drawn to the North Country region, this represents a reasonable path into nursing with debt that shouldn't become burdensome. But if maximizing earning potential is the priority, stronger programs exist elsewhere in New York that justify their slightly higher costs.