Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Austin Community College District

Austin Community College's practical nursing program delivers above-average earnings with below-average debt—a combination that makes it a solid financial choice for aspiring LVNs. Starting at just over $50,000 and climbing to $53,000 by year four, graduates earn more than 60% of Texas programs and 76% of programs nationally. That $11,378 median debt load is about $3,000 less than both state and national averages, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.23—meaning graduates owe roughly three months of their first-year salary.

The program sits in the middle tier of Texas offerings. While top-performing community colleges like Alvin Community College see graduates earning $65,000, and ACC's outcomes trail several other Texas schools by $4,000-$14,000, it's worth noting that ACC achieves this while keeping costs significantly lower. The modest 6% earnings growth suggests LVN salaries in Austin may be relatively flat after the initial placement, which is typical for this field but means graduates shouldn't expect substantial raises without additional credentials.

For families watching their budget, this program offers a straightforward path: manageable debt, quick entry to stable employment, and earnings that clear the state median. It won't deliver the highest-earning outcomes in Texas, but the low financial risk makes it a practical choice for students seeking immediate workforce entry.