Practical Nursing at Northern Michigan University

Marquette, MI · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

Northern Michigan University accepts 70% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, enrolling 6,425 students in Marquette, MI.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $33,683 place Northern Michigan University below the $44,151 national median for Practical Nursing — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 43.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI exposure is significant at 18% of job tasks, producing a 40% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

The $17,500 debt-to-$33,683 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #585 out of 703 programs, Northern Michigan University's financial outcomes for Practical Nursing trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $33,683 to $53,882 over five years (60% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

Practical Nursing connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

63 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
57
Low End
63
Score
64
High End
Earnings $33,683/yr (-24% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$591K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
44.4x
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)
$13,304
Out-of-state: $18,800
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,882
60% 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

See the full career breakdown for Practical Nursing — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Northern Michigan University and 702 other schools.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northern Michigan University

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Practical Nursing at Northern Michigan University?
This program scores 63/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Practical Nursing programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Is Practical Nursing from Northern Michigan University a future-proof career choice?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 18% of Practical Nursing tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 2 of 2 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
Can you still earn well with Practical Nursing from Northern Michigan University?
Starting salary is one data point. If Northern Michigan University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Practical Nursing graduates?
The DOL recognizes 2 apprenticeship pathways related to Practical Nursing. For students weighing Northern Michigan University's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
What's the job market like for Practical Nursing from Northern Michigan University?
The very large job market (258,500 annual openings) works in favor of Practical Nursing graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →