Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, program length, and outcomes for Madison-area practical nursing schools.
Earning an LPN license in Wisconsin requires completing a board-approved practical nursing program, and in Madison, seven distinct programs compete for a seat in your schedule. While tuition gaps and NCLEX pass rates often dominate the decision, the recession-resistant nature of local healthcare hiring makes the upfront investment unusually predictable. Madison’s major health systems, including UW Health and SSM Health, draw heavily from these programs, though hiring patterns skew toward graduates of the highest-performing cohorts.
The Madison area offers several practical nursing paths that balance affordability, scheduling, and career outcomes. Below, we compare LPN options within a 75-mile radius, highlighting key factors like tuition, program length, and earnings data to help you choose wisely.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Madison Area Technical College | Madison, WI | $14,000/yr (net price) | Budget-conscious learners pursuing a public college path | |
Madison Area Technical College is the local public option, offering an ACEN-accredited practical nursing diploma at a total program cost of about $7,300. The curriculum includes extensive simulation lab work and clinical rotations, with a built-in ladder to the college's associate degree in nursing. Federal data shows former students earn a median salary around $45,400 with median debt under $15,000, signaling a strong return for budget-conscious Wisconsin residents.
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| #2 | Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa | Wauwatosa, WI | $15,000/yr (net price) | Career changers needing a fast 12-month diploma | |
Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa provides a dense, 12-month diploma that moves fast through 41 credits of on-campus instruction and clinical internships at regional hospital partners. The program is approved by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing and includes a pathway to transfer credits into an associate nursing degree. While the institution's overall graduation rate is modest, median debt for former students is $21,549 and median earnings are $32,568, making it a viable accelerated entry.
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| #3 | Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College | Rockford, IL | $22,000/yr | Students wanting a hybrid online and on-campus format | |
Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College blends online coursework with on-campus learning and supervised clinicals in a 14-month hybrid format. The 79-credit program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN and emphasizes hands-on training in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care. Institution-wide data points to a solid graduation rate, median debt of $14,302, and median earnings of $34,104, giving it appeal for students who want flexibility without sacrificing clinical exposure.
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What factors make one Madison LPN program rank higher than another? Our ranking weighs four data points that together signal affordability, student success, and earnings potential. Keep in mind that every student's situation is unique, but these benchmarks offer a consistent, side-by-side snapshot.
We start with the average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price. Because federal data reports this figure by income level and institution type, it is a sector-conditional average: your own cost will depend on your eligibility for aid. Still, a lower net price means less upfront burden and less debt down the road.
The graduation rate reflects full-time, first-time students across all programs at the school, not just the LPN track. While it does not isolate nursing completion, it signals whether the institution supports students to the finish line. A stronger overall graduation rate suggests better advising, resources, and teaching quality.
Where available, we incorporate specific earnings for LPN graduates from federal outcome data. These figures measure early-career pay for students who completed the program. High earnings relative to local cost of living suggest the program prepares graduates for well-paying roles.
We also consider the typical debt load of program completers. Pairing median debt with earnings lets us calculate a simple return-on-investment (ROI) ratio: essentially, how quickly a graduate could recoup their educational investment. Programs with lower debt and higher earnings rise to the top.
LPN students in Madison can tap Wisconsin-specific aid like the Nursing Student Loan Program, which offers loan forgiveness for service, along with scholarships from the Wisconsin League for Nursing. Federal Pell Grants and work-study are also available to those who file the FAFSA, though some large national scholarships like the HRSA Nurse Corps typically exclude entry-level LPN programs.
| Financial Aid Program | Maximum Annual Award | Eligibility | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Nursing Student Loan Program | $3,000 (2025-26) | Wisconsin resident, enrolled at least half-time in an eligible LPN or RN program | Forgivable loan: 25% forgiven per year up to 50% maximum; 5% interest on remaining balance; lifetime maximum $15,000 |
| Wisconsin League for Nursing Scholarships | Varies | Wisconsin residents enrolled in accredited nursing programs (including LPN) | Multiple scholarships available; amounts and criteria vary by award |
In a practical nursing program, the total time from enrollment to eligibility for the NCLEX-PN exam includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. Most full-time students complete an LPN certificate in 12 to 18 months, though exact lengths depend on the institution and any LPN prerequisites you transfer.
Madison-area LPN programs typically pack 40 to 50 credit hours into three or four semesters. For instance, Madison College’s practical nursing diploma requires a full-time commitment of roughly 12 months, including summer sessions. Herzing University offers a similar fast-track approach, common among fastest LPN programs. Always verify current credit totals on the school’s nursing program page, as curricula change.
Wisconsin’s Board of Nursing sets minimum clinical hours, usually around 500 to 700 hours. These hours are built into the program and must be completed at approved partner sites. Clinical rotations expose you to direct patient care in real healthcare environments, which is essential for licensure.
If you need a more flexible pace, both Madison College and Herzing may offer part-time or evening tracks. These extend the total length, often to 24 months or longer, but allow you to work while enrolled. Contact the nursing admissions office directly to confirm current availability.
During clinical rotations, you’ll likely train at well-known Dane County facilities, including UW Health hospitals, UnityPoint Health, Meriter, and SSM Health St. Mary’s. Some programs also place students in long-term care settings such as Oakwood Village or Capitol Lakes. The exact rotation schedule is determined by your program coordinator.
Recent NCLEX-PN data from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) shows how Madison's LPN programs compare. While one MATC pathway achieved a 94% first-time pass rate in 2025, the standalone PN track posted an 89% rate, both above the national average for U.S.-educated first-time test-takers.
Deciding whether LPN programs make financial sense starts with understanding what you’ll actually earn. For aspiring nurses in Madison, the most useful salary benchmark comes from statewide average LPN salaries, since the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish a separate figure for the Madison metro area.2
Wisconsin’s median annual wage for LPNs is $55,3101. That puts typical earnings in the middle of the pack nationally, competitive but not at the very top. The range is wide: the lowest 10% of LPNs earn about $47,960, while the highest 10% pull in $74,880.1 Most fall between $50,560 (25th percentile) and $66,400 (75th percentile).1
In the Madison area, hospitals and continuing care retirement communities tend to offer the highest LPN wages, followed closely by skilled nursing facilities. Home health agencies and assisted living centers pay somewhat less on average but often provide more flexible schedules. The employer mix means you can often boost your income by gaining experience and specializing in high-demand clinical areas.
Direct earnings data for recent LPN program completers isn’t yet available from federal sources, but looking at all graduates of the schools on our list provides a helpful proxy. Institution-wide median earnings ten years after starting range from around $47,000 at some technical colleges to over $55,000 at others, closely tracking or exceeding the statewide LPN median. That suggests graduates from these programs are well positioned to earn at or above the typical LPN wage once established in their careers.
What comes after you earn your LPN license in Madison? The practical nursing credential opens doors to immediate employment and sets the stage for advanced nursing roles through bridge programs right here in the area.
Madison College offers an LPN to ADN completion track that totals 65 credits over roughly 24 months, delivered in a hybrid format at Truax, Reedsburg, and Watertown locations.1 Admission is competitive, with a January 15 deadline for spring entry and a waitlist in effect.2 Other Wisconsin Technical College System schools, including Fox Valley, Milwaukee Area, and Waukesha County Technical Colleges, also provide LPN-to-ADN progression paths.3 Herzing University’s Madison campus features a BSN Bridge for practical nurses, requiring 120 total credits.4 (The UW, Madison Accelerated BSN is designed for degree-holders without a nursing background and is not an LPN bridge.)5 For a statewide directory, explore LPN programs in Wisconsin.
New LPNs in the Madison area typically find positions in long-term care and skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, hospital medical-surgical units, and home health agencies. These settings offer steady demand and flexible scheduling.
Wisconsin LPNs renew their license every two years through the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) and complete any continuing education requirements set by the board. Staying current ensures uninterrupted practice as you gain experience or work toward an RN bridge.
Choosing an LPN program raises many practical questions about cost, time, and career outcomes. Below we answer the most common questions from prospective nursing students in the Madison area, drawing on current program information and employment data.
