Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College's practical nursing program operates in a relatively tight range: graduates earn about $42,700 initially, with minimal change over four years. With debt under $14,000, new LPNs could theoretically pay off their loans in four months of full-time work—a manageable burden that beats the national median debt and aligns closely with Wisconsin's typical $12,000.

The state context matters here. While this program sits comfortably above Wisconsin's median earnings of $37,000, ranking in the 60th percentile among 21 in-state programs, it trails the state's strongest performers by $4,000-$5,000 annually. That gap—about $80-$100 per week—may not sound dramatic, but it compounds to roughly $20,000 over five years. Nationally, the program falls slightly below average, landing at the 43rd percentile, suggesting Wisconsin itself tends toward the lower end of LPN compensation.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift considerably with more data, so treat them as a reasonable estimate rather than a guarantee. What's clear: this program won't leave your child drowning in debt, and it performs solidly within Wisconsin. If your child is set on staying in-state and values a quick path to steady employment, this works. But if they're open to relocating or considering programs like Herzing or Rasmussen, those extra few thousand dollars annually might justify the comparison shopping.