Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Red Rocks Community College

The $7,006 debt load here is substantially lower than what most Colorado nursing programs charge—the state median sits at $11,875, and the national median reaches $14,803. Combined with an estimated first-year salary around $40,000 (based on peer programs in Colorado), this represents a manageable entry into healthcare work. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17 means graduates would owe roughly two months' salary, making this one of the more affordable paths into practical nursing.

What's puzzling is the drop to $31,418 by year four—well below the estimated starting salary. This could reflect career breaks, part-time work, or graduates leaving healthcare altogether. It's worth noting that other Colorado programs show significantly higher earnings: Otero College graduates earn $74,405, and even mid-tier programs like Pima Medical Institute report $54,021. Whether Red Rocks' outcomes truly lag behind isn't certain given the estimated figures, but the comparison suggests asking the school directly about graduate employment patterns and why their salary data isn't reportable.

The low debt makes this a relatively safe bet if nursing is the goal, but the earnings trajectory raises questions about career sustainability or advancement. Before enrolling, confirm what percentage of graduates actually work as LPNs and whether the program provides adequate clinical connections in the Denver area where job opportunities tend to be strongest.