Est. Earnings (1yr)
$51,744
Est. from national median (26 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$18,241
Est. from national median (10 programs)

Analysis

In Wyoming's limited healthcare training landscape, Northwest College's nursing program operates as the only associate-level option in this field, which means families have little local basis for comparison. The estimated $18,000 in debt sits slightly below the national median for similar programs, while first-year earnings around $52,000 track with what nursing graduates typically earn nationally. That 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment—roughly a third of a year's salary—though these figures are extrapolated from peer programs rather than this specific school's track record.

The practical question is whether this works financially. Comparable nursing programs nationally produce graduates who can typically handle their debt burden within a few years, and healthcare jobs in rural Wyoming often come with stability that matters as much as the paycheck. However, without actual outcome data from this program, you're making an investment based on what similar schools deliver rather than Northwest College's proven results. The low Pell percentage (18%) might indicate limited enrollment overall, which could explain the data suppression.

For families considering this program, the estimated numbers align with reasonable expectations for nursing training at this level. The debt load won't be crushing if your child actually lands work near that $52,000 mark, but verify current job availability for LPNs in your target area—healthcare hiring can vary dramatically between Wyoming communities.

Where Northwest College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Northwest CollegePowell$4,935$51,744*—$18,241*—
Beal UniversityBangor—$72,467*—$40,814*0.56
Unitek CollegeFremont—$72,368*$99,091$22,848*0.32
Butte CollegeOroville$1,336$65,467*—$13,382*0.20
Carrington College-SacramentoSacramento—$65,035*$81,578$32,832*0.50
Carrington College-San JoseSan Jose—$65,035*$81,578$32,832*0.50
National Median—$51,744*—$19,404*0.38
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants graduates

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.

$62,340/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Nursing Assistants

Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.

$39,430/yrJobs growth:
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 Northwest College, approximately 18% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 26 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.