Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at College of the Mainland

College of the Mainland positions nurses to earn $74,310 within a year of graduation—about $3,000 above the national median and solidly in the 77th percentile nationwide. Within Texas, though, the picture shifts: this program sits at the 60th percentile among the state's 64 nursing programs, trailing schools like El Paso Community College and Weatherford College by roughly $5,000. With debt matching the state median at $18,000, graduates face a manageable 0.24 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they'll owe less than three months' salary—a reasonable entry point into a stable profession.

The modest 4% earnings growth to year four suggests nurses here quickly reach their earning plateau around $77,500, which is respectable but not exceptional. For families weighing options, this program offers reliable employment at above-average wages, particularly attractive if location in the Texas City area matters. However, if maximizing earning potential is the priority, several other Texas community colleges deliver stronger four-year outcomes at similar or lower debt levels.

For students committed to staying local or those prioritizing quick entry into nursing over peak earnings, College of the Mainland provides solid value. But families should compare offers from other Texas programs carefully—the difference between this program and top performers in the state amounts to about $13,000 annually by year four.