Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Rochester Community and Technical College

Rochester Community and Technical College's practical nursing program produces graduates earning slightly below both the Minnesota median ($42,896) and the national average ($44,134), landing in the 40th percentile statewide. More concerning, earnings actually dip by 2% between year one and year four—from $42,200 to $41,168—while several other Minnesota community colleges launch their LPNs into the mid-to-high $40,000s.

The program does offer one significant advantage: relatively manageable debt. At $20,228, borrowing sits well below the national median of $14,803 for this credential, though it's still above Minnesota's state median. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, which should make repayment feasible even with the modest income trajectory.

For families considering Rochester specifically, understand that you're looking at solid job placement but below-average earning potential compared to nearby alternatives. Dakota County Technical College and Lake Superior College both place their LPN grads $5,000-$7,000 ahead annually. Unless location or specific program features make Rochester your best option, those earnings gaps compound significantly over a nursing career. The credential will likely pay for itself, but this isn't Minnesota's most competitive pathway into practical nursing.