Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Saint Paul College

Saint Paul College's practical nursing program costs more than most Minnesota options while delivering earnings that slip backward over time. At $17,500 in debt, students here pay less than the state median, but their first-year earnings of $44,393—while ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—decline to $42,878 by year four. That's unusual in healthcare, where experience typically translates to raises, not pay cuts.

The comparison to Minnesota peers is telling. Dakota County Tech grads earn $4,500 more annually right out of the gate, and Lake Superior College students also see notably higher returns. Saint Paul College performs solidly on debt control, with borrowing levels below the state median by about $1,400, but that advantage doesn't offset the earnings decline that follows graduation.

For families considering this program, the 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable in year one, but the trajectory matters more than the starting point. If your child plans to work in practical nursing long-term in Minnesota, they'd likely see better financial outcomes at several comparable institutions. The program serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students (40%), which speaks to its accessibility, but given the earnings pattern, exploring higher-performing state options like Dakota County or Lake Superior makes financial sense unless location is a deciding factor.