Practical Nursing at William Rainey Harper College
with a mid-sized student body of 8,815 in Palatine, IL.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $36,528 place William Rainey Harper College below the $44,151 national median for Practical Nursing — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 152.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Practical Nursing programs nationally.
The 35% 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.
With first-year pay of $36,528 far exceeding the $6,258 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #164 of 703 nationally, this is a top-5% Practical Nursing program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Earnings grow from $36,528 to $54,134 over five years — a 48% 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.
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 William Rainey Harper College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.