Practical Nursing at Southeast Community College Area

Lincoln, NE · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

enrolling 6,235 students in Lincoln, NE.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $43,044/yr, roughly in line with the $44,151 national median for Practical Nursing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 150.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Practical Nursing programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Practical Nursing's career paths, with 18% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 16% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $43,044 far exceeding the $12,133 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #93 of 703 nationally, this is a top-5% Practical Nursing program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $43,044 to $52,027 over five years — a 21% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

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.

81 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
78
Low End
81
Score
81
High End
Earnings $43,044/yr (-3% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$538K
4.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
151.9x
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 (In-State)
$3,540
Out-of-state: $4,260
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,133
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,027
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

Practical Nursing opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southeast Community College Area

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 Southeast Community College Area?
This program scores 81/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Practical Nursing nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Practical Nursing jobs?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Practical Nursing work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Southeast Community College Area's score of 81/100 reflects this durability.
How affordable is Practical Nursing at Southeast Community College Area?
Median debt of just $12,133 against $43,044/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 3 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Why does Southeast Community College Area rank so high for Practical Nursing?
The #93 ranking out of 703 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Practical Nursing program at Southeast Community College Area?
If Southeast Community College Area'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 Southeast Community College Area?
The career paths mapped to Practical Nursing have roughly 258,500 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →