Practical Nursing at Southwestern Illinois College
enrolling 5,280 students in Belleville, IL.
Program Analysis
Southwestern Illinois College's Practical Nursing graduates start at $22,351/yr, trailing the $44,151 national average by 49%. The program's value hinges on affordability.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 99.7x 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.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $3,500 in median debt clears fast against $22,351 in annual earnings.
Ranked #547 of 703 Practical Nursing programs, Southwestern Illinois College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $36,693 show a 64% jump from the $22,351 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.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
About Practical Nursing Careers
Your career begins on the front lines of patient care as a nursing assistant. In a hospital or long-term care facility, your active days will be spent helping patients with essential tasks like bathing, eating, and moving safely. You’ll be a vital part of the medical team, taking blood pressure and temperature and serving as the eyes and ears for the supervising nurses.
Compare & Explore
Practical Nursing Overview
Practical Nursing at Other Schools
Other Majors at Southwestern Illinois College
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.