Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Washburn Institute of Technology

Washburn Institute of Technology's practical nursing program sits right at Kansas's median for earnings—$43,321 after one year—but that's slightly below the national median of $44,134. What makes this program noteworthy is how it ranks against other Kansas schools: at the 60th percentile statewide, it outperforms about half the competition while keeping debt below both state and national averages at $17,283.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 means graduates owe less than five months of their first-year salary, a manageable burden for healthcare work. While earnings growth to $46,895 by year four represents only 8% growth, practical nursing typically offers stability rather than dramatic salary increases. The bigger concern is the gap between Washburn's outcomes and the state's top performers—Donnelly College and Kansas City Kansas Community College both post starting salaries above $48,000, suggesting some Kansas programs prepare students for higher-paying positions or better job markets.

For parents weighing this program, it represents a middle-of-the-pack choice in Kansas at a reasonable cost. The debt burden won't be crushing, and LPN jobs provide steady employment. However, if your student can access one of Kansas's higher-performing programs, those extra $4,000-6,000 in starting salary could compound significantly over a career while requiring similar debt loads.