Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College's nursing program produces a puzzling pattern: graduates earn decent money right away ($61,633), but then see their income actually decline to $58,870 by year four. This backward trajectory is unusual for nursing, where most graduates see steady raises as they gain experience and certifications. At the 40th percentile statewide, this program lags behind most Wisconsin nursing schools—including nearby Blackhawk Technical and Milwaukee Area Technical, where four-year earnings exceed $69,000.

The debt load of $17,876 is manageable relative to first-year earnings, but the real concern is where graduates end up professionally. Something about this program's outcomes suggests graduates may struggle to advance into higher-paying hospital positions or specialty roles. Whether it's clinical training gaps, weaker hospital partnerships, or regional employment patterns around Green Bay, the earnings decline warrants investigation.

For a Wisconsin family, this represents below-average value in a state with 22 nursing programs to choose from. The lower debt won't compensate for earning $10,000+ less annually than peers at top-performing Wisconsin technical colleges. If your child can access programs in Madison, Milwaukee, or Waukesha—even with slightly higher costs—the investment pays better dividends over time.