Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Saline County Career Center

Saline County Career Center's practical nursing program produces graduates earning roughly $6,000 less annually than the typical Missouri LPN—a gap that matters when you're starting in the upper $30,000s rather than low $40,000s. While the program falls in the bottom quarter nationally, it does land near the middle of Missouri programs specifically, though that still means trailing significantly behind schools like North Central Missouri College ($59,889) and Mineral Area College ($55,389).

The debt load of $14,027 is manageable, translating to a 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio that won't create financial hardship. With 78% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves students who need an affordable pathway into healthcare. The modest 4% earnings growth over four years suggests stable employment rather than career progression, which is typical for LPN roles but means graduates shouldn't expect substantial raises.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making it less reliable than larger programs. For families committed to staying in Marshall or central Missouri, the convenience and lower debt might justify the earnings tradeoff. But if mobility isn't an issue, your child would likely earn $10,000-$20,000 more annually by choosing one of Missouri's stronger LPN programs—a difference that compounds to hundreds of thousands over a career, even after accounting for any additional costs or commute.