Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at North Idaho College

North Idaho College's practical nursing program launches graduates into salaries 25% above the national median and 15% above Idaho's typical outcome, though the small class sizes mean individual results may vary more than these numbers suggest. At $55,184 in first-year earnings, graduates from this program outperform three-quarters of similar programs nationwide—an impressive showing for a credential that costs just $16,250 and takes far less time than a traditional nursing degree.

Within Idaho's nursing landscape, this program holds its own against larger competitors. While Carrington College-Boise edges slightly higher in earnings, North Idaho College delivers comparable results with debt that's actually below the state median. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 means graduates typically owe less than three months' salary—manageable by almost any standard.

The caveat here is sample size: with fewer than 30 graduates in the cohort, one or two outliers could skew these numbers significantly. That said, the fundamental value proposition remains sound. You're looking at a practical nursing credential that gets students working quickly, commands solid wages in both local and national contexts, and doesn't saddle them with crushing debt. For families prioritizing fast workforce entry with minimal financial risk, this program checks the right boxes.