Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at River Parishes Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
rpcc.eduAnalysis
River Parishes Community College's practical nursing program carries an unusual burden: students graduate with twice the typical debt load for this credential—$30,029 versus a state median of $20,055. That's the highest debt level among Louisiana's 23 practical nursing programs, yet earnings of $44,000 land in just the 40th percentile statewide. Meanwhile, several Louisiana programs deliver stronger outcomes: Healthcare Training Institute graduates earn $62,470, and even nearby Fletcher Technical produces earnings 17% higher with presumably less debt.
The concerning part isn't the starting salary itself—$43,978 gets graduates working quickly in a stable field. It's that this level of debt typically accompanies a bachelor's degree, not a vocational certificate. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68, graduates face monthly payments that will strain an LPN's budget, especially given the minimal earnings growth to $44,856 over four years. The financial squeeze is real: you're paying university-level debt on a practical nursing salary.
For families considering this program, the question is straightforward: why pay premium prices for below-average results? Unless there are compelling geographic or scheduling reasons unique to River Parishes, Louisiana offers multiple alternatives that better protect your investment while preparing students for the same career.
Where River Parishes Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How River Parishes Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| River Parishes Community College | $43,978 | $44,856 | +2% |
| Delgado Community College | $42,416 | $47,938 | +13% |
| Fortis College-Baton Rouge | $45,996 | $46,352 | +1% |
| Delta College Inc | $48,157 | $45,865 | -5% |
| Delta College-Slidell Campus | $48,157 | $45,865 | -5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 River Parishes Community CollegeGonzales | $4,079 | $43,978 | $44,856 | $30,029 | 0.68 |
 Healthcare Training InstituteKenner | — | $62,470 | — | $31,500 | 0.50 |
 Compass Career CollegeHammond | — | $53,339 | $42,187 | $26,278 | 0.49 |
 Fletcher Technical Community CollegeSchriever | $4,219 | $52,652 | — | — | — |
 Delta College IncCovington | — | $48,157 | $45,865 | $20,055 | 0.42 |
| Delta College-Slidell CampusSlidell | — | $48,157 | $45,865 | $20,055 | 0.42 |
| 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 River Parishes Community College, approximately 35% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 35 graduates with reported earnings and 49 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.