Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Central Texas College

Central Texas College's nursing program launches graduates into strong earning positions—$75,319 in the first year—though it's worth noting that earnings dip to $65,331 by year four. That initial salary outperforms 79% of similar nursing programs nationally and 60% of Texas programs, a solid showing given Texas's competitive nursing market. The state's median for this degree is $71,487, so these graduates start ahead of most peers. However, the earnings decline deserves attention: while some year-to-year variation is normal in healthcare, particularly for two-year nursing grads who may shift between clinical and non-clinical roles, the 13% drop means this program's long-term trajectory differs from typical patterns.

The financial equation remains favorable even with that caveat. At $15,099 in median debt—well below both state and national averages—graduates owe just 20 cents for every dollar of first-year earnings. Even if they experience the earnings decline seen in the data, the debt burden stays manageable. For a family considering community college nursing options in Central Texas, this represents a low-risk entry into a profession with strong regional demand.

The practical takeaway: This program delivers immediate earning power at minimal cost, making it a reasonable choice if your child plans to work in the Killeen-Fort Hood area. The earnings drop warrants a conversation during campus visits about graduate employment patterns, but the low debt means there's financial cushion even if early career paths shift.