Practical Nursing at Merced College
enrolling 9,677 students in Merced, CA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $31,349 place Merced 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 274.7x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Practical Nursing programs nationally.
AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 0% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.
At #177 of 703 nationally, this is a top-5% Practical Nursing program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
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% |
Practical Nursing Career Guide
See the full career breakdown for Practical Nursing — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Merced College and 702 other schools.
Compare & Explore
Practical Nursing Overview
Practical Nursing at Other Schools
Other Majors at Merced College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.