Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Parkland College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
parkland.eduAnalysis
Parkland College manages to keep debt remarkably low for this nursing credential—$9,007 is less than the state median and well below the national figure of $14,803. That's crucial for a field where earnings, while steady, start modestly. Based on comparable Illinois programs, first-year earnings around $43,000 translate to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their entire debt load in about two and a half months of pre-tax earnings.
The challenge is that peer programs in Illinois show a wide earnings spread. The top-performing nursing programs in the state produce first-year earnings in the $55,000-$65,000 range—substantially higher than what similar programs typically generate. It's worth investigating what distinguishes those higher-earning programs: better clinical placements, stronger hospital partnerships, or credential differences that matter to employers.
For families prioritizing manageable debt and quick workforce entry, Parkland's low borrowing requirement is a genuine advantage. The program appears structured to minimize financial risk, even if the estimated earnings lag behind Illinois's strongest nursing programs. The key question is whether Parkland's lower cost structure reflects different program outcomes or simply more efficient delivery of the same credential.
Where Parkland College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (56 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Parkland CollegeChampaign | $4,284 | $43,042* | — | $9,007 | — |
 Ambria College of NursingHoffman Estates | — | $64,712* | $58,774 | $11,878 | 0.18 |
 Verve CollegeOak Brook | — | $63,593* | $63,546 | $14,933 | 0.23 |
 Illinois Eastern Community CollegesOlney | $4,390 | $56,008* | — | $7,500 | 0.13 |
 CAAN Academy of NursingMatteson | — | $55,822* | — | $22,398 | 0.40 |
 Illinois Central CollegeEast Peoria | $4,650 | $55,604* | — | $12,700 | 0.23 |
| National Median | — | $44,134* | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants graduates
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 Parkland College, approximately 25% 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 median of 27 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.