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Practical Nursing at Arapahoe Community College

Littleton, CO · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

serving 5,392 students in Littleton, CO.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $36,234/yr fall 18% below the $44,151 national median for Practical Nursing. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 88.0x 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.

With only 18% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 0%. Career paths for Practical Nursing are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

At $8,750 in median debt against $36,234 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Ranked #220 out of 703 programs, Arapahoe Community College's Practical Nursing offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

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

TradeSchoolOutlook Score

Low End

Score

High End

Earnings $36,234/yr (-18% vs median)

AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)

Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings

$379K

1.0% annual growth

Earnings Multiple (In-State)

88.0x

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)

$4,308

Out-of-state: $16,542

Median Debt at Graduation

$8,750

2.9 months of Year 1 earnings

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

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

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Arapahoe Community College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 73/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Practical Nursing at Arapahoe Community College?

This program scores 73/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Practical Nursing nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.

How AI-proof is a career in Practical Nursing?

Practical Nursing rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 18% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.

What's the typical debt for Practical Nursing graduates from Arapahoe Community College?

At $8,750 in median debt, Practical Nursing graduates from Arapahoe Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.

Can you still earn well with Practical Nursing from Arapahoe Community College?

Starting salary is one data point. If Arapahoe Community College'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 Arapahoe Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.

How many job openings are there for Practical Nursing graduates?

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 →