Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Del Mar College

Del Mar College's nursing program sits in an awkward middle position among Texas schools—earning just below the state median of $71,487 while costing significantly less than most competitors. The bigger concern isn't the starting point but the trajectory: graduates earn $70,673 initially but see that drop to $65,172 by year four, an 8% decline that's unusual in a field where nurses typically increase earnings as they gain experience and credentials. With a sample size of 100+ graduates, this pattern is statistically meaningful and worth understanding before enrollment.

The financial fundamentals are strong—$10,601 in debt is exceptionally low, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. Some Texas nursing programs saddle students with nearly twice that burden while delivering comparable or even lower earnings. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.15 means graduates can realistically pay off loans within months rather than years, providing financial flexibility early in their careers.

For families prioritizing affordability and career security, this program delivers on both fronts. However, the earnings decline suggests something atypical—whether it's graduates leaving clinical nursing, working reduced hours, or regional salary compression. Parents should ask the program directly about career patterns: Are graduates staying in acute care? Moving to different specialties? This matters because top Texas programs like El Paso Community College show graduates earning $80,000+ without the same decline pattern.