Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at South Central College

South Central College's associate degree in practical nursing comes with an estimated debt load of $18,241—notably lower than the Minnesota median of $24,682 for similar programs. Based on comparable nursing programs nationally, graduates typically earn around $51,744 in their first year, putting the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.35. That means borrowers would owe roughly 35 cents for every dollar earned, which falls comfortably below the concerning threshold of 1.0.

The earnings estimate sits slightly below what Minnesota nursing programs typically produce ($54,376), though it's worth noting that Hennepin Technical College—the only Minnesota school with reported data—matches that state median exactly. The roughly $2,600 gap suggests South Central's program may produce similar outcomes, especially given its lower debt burden. For a field with strong workforce demand and clear licensing pathways, these estimates point to solid financial viability.

The practical takeaway: even with the uncertainty inherent in estimated figures, the combination of below-average debt and healthcare sector stability makes this a defensible investment. Parents should verify current job placement rates and NCLEX pass rates directly with the school, as these concrete metrics will matter more than small earnings variations when your child is entering a profession with consistent demand.