Practical Nursing at Sauk Valley Community College
a smaller institution with 1,164 students in Dixon, IL.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $36,277 place Sauk Valley Community 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 73.1x 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.
With first-year pay of $36,277 far exceeding the $8,320 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #254 of 703 Practical Nursing programs, Sauk Valley Community College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
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
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
Explore what Practical Nursing graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 703 programs nationwide.
Compare & Explore
Practical Nursing Overview
Practical Nursing at Other Schools
Other Majors at Sauk Valley Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.