Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton

Drawing an estimated $22,000 in debt against first-year earnings around $52,000 based on comparable programs nationally, this associate's degree in practical nursing appears financially manageable on paper. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 suggests graduates could reasonably handle loan payments while establishing themselves in the field, though it's crucial to understand these figures aren't from St. Louis College of Health Careers' actual graduates—they're derived from a small sample of similar programs nationwide.

What makes this estimate particularly uncertain is the limited comparison set: only 26 programs nationally reported earnings data, and just 13 schools contributed to the debt estimate. With 218 schools offering this credential, we're working with a thin slice of the picture. The 100% admission rate and high Pell Grant eligibility (60%) suggest this school serves students who may have limited alternatives, making the actual support and job placement outcomes especially important to verify directly with the institution.

The practical path forward: Contact the school for their actual graduate outcomes, including licensing exam pass rates and employer partnerships in the St. Louis area. Practical nursing credentials are highly regional, and what matters most is whether this specific program connects students to Missouri healthcare employers. Without verified data from this campus, you're essentially betting on whether they match the national pattern—a bet worth taking only if their track record checks out.