Nursing at Western Iowa Tech Community College

Sioux City, IA · Public · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

a smaller institution with 2,589 students in Sioux City, IA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $63,214/yr, roughly in line with the $69,474 national median for Nursing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 67.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Nursing programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Nursing's career paths, with 39% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 3% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $63,214 far exceeding the $13,897 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #581 of 947 Nursing programs, Western Iowa Tech Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $67,617 are relatively flat compared to the $63,214 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

There are 4 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Nursing, including Home Health Director (median $117,960/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

80 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
75
Low End
80
Score
81
High End
Earnings $63,214/yr (-9% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$683K
1.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
67.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
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)
$10,084
Out-of-state: $10,372
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,897
2.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,617
7% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Nursing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Nurse anesthetists $223,210 +8.6% 83%
Nurse practitioners $129,210 +40.1% 52%
Nurse midwives $128,790 +11.1% 61%
Nurse anesthetists
$223,210
+8.6% growth 83% AI-proof
Nurse practitioners
$129,210
+40.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Nurse midwives
$128,790
+11.1% growth 61% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Nursing Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Nursing careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Iowa Tech 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 Western Iowa Tech Community College's Nursing program score?
This program scores 80/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Nursing programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
What's the AI risk for Nursing graduates from Western Iowa Tech Community College?
With 39% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $661,359 in decade earnings vs $682,681 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
How affordable is Nursing at Western Iowa Tech Community College?
At $13,897 in median debt, Nursing graduates from Western Iowa Tech Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Can I learn Nursing through an apprenticeship instead of Western Iowa Tech Community College?
Yes — 4 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Nursing career paths, including Home Health Director. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Western Iowa Tech Community College.
Will Nursing graduates from Western Iowa Tech Community College find jobs?
At 292,500 annual openings, Nursing has a very large employment base. Western Iowa Tech Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →