Practical Nursing at Minnesota State College Southeast

Winona, MN · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

a compact campus enrolling 1,198 students in Winona, MN.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $43,145/yr, roughly in line with the $44,151 national median for Practical Nursing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 68.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Practical Nursing career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $43,145 far exceeding the $13,935 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #211 ranking among 703 Practical Nursing programs places Minnesota State College Southeast in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 21% earnings increase from $43,145 to $52,157 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

For students considering alternatives, 2 registered apprenticeship programs align with Practical Nursing careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

74 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
71
Low End
74
Score
74
High End
Earnings $43,145/yr (-2% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$539K
4.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
68.9x
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
$7,820
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,935
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,157
21% 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

Explore what Practical Nursing graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 703 programs nationwide.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Minnesota State College Southeast

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Minnesota State College Southeast's Practical Nursing program score?
This program scores 74/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Practical Nursing nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
How safe is Practical Nursing from automation?
Highly resilient. Practical Nursing careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Minnesota State College Southeast graduates retain 2 of 2 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Practical Nursing program at Minnesota State College Southeast?
If Minnesota State College Southeast's tuition gives you pause, consider that 2 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Practical Nursing. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the job market like for Practical Nursing from Minnesota State College Southeast?
With approximately 258,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Practical Nursing offers a very large employment pool. Minnesota State College Southeast graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →