Practical Nursing at Danville Area Community College

Danville, IL · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

a compact campus enrolling 1,360 students in Danville, IL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $26,484 place Danville Area Community College below the $44,151 national median for Practical Nursing — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 86.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Practical Nursing programs nationally.

The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 18% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Practical Nursing graduates.

With first-year pay of $26,484 far exceeding the $6,600 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #466 of 703 Practical Nursing programs, Danville Area Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $62,666 show a 137% jump from the $26,484 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

There are 2 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Practical Nursing, including Nurse, Licensed Practical (median $62,340/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

66 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
66
Score
67
High End
Earnings $26,484/yr (-40% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$465K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
87.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
2 of 2
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$5,300
Out-of-state: $9,200
Median Debt at Graduation
$6,600
3.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,666
137% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Practical Nursing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses $62,340 +2.6% 75%
Nursing assistants $39,530 +2.3% 90%
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
$62,340
+2.6% growth 75% AI-proof
Nursing assistants
$39,530
+2.3% growth 90% AI-proof

Practical Nursing Career Guide

What can you do with a Practical Nursing credential from Danville Area Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Danville Area Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Danville Area Community College's Practical Nursing program score?
At 66/100, the score looks reasonable — but Practical Nursing is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
How AI-proof is a career in Practical Nursing?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Practical Nursing work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Danville Area Community College's score of 66/100 reflects this durability.
How affordable is Practical Nursing at Danville Area Community College?
At $6,600 in median debt, Practical Nursing graduates from Danville Area Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Can you still earn well with Practical Nursing from Danville Area Community College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Practical Nursing program at Danville Area Community College?
There are 2 registered apprenticeships connected to Practical Nursing occupations, such as Nurse, Licensed Practical and Nurse, Licensed Practical. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Is there demand for Practical Nursing workers?
With approximately 258,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Practical Nursing offers a very large employment pool. Danville Area Community College graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →