Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio produces graduates who earn above both national and Texas medians for practical nursing programs, with first-year earnings of $46,830 compared to the national average of $44,134. At the 60th percentile among Texas nursing programs, this puts graduates ahead of most peers in the state, though notably behind top performers like Alvin Community College ($64,976) and several Concorde campuses.
The debt picture looks favorable with graduates owing a median of $16,642—higher than state and national averages but resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36. This means graduates typically owe about four months of their starting salary, which is reasonable for a healthcare credential. The 6% earnings growth to $49,424 by year four shows steady career progression, keeping pace with inflation and indicating the degree maintains its value over time.
For parents considering this investment, Galen delivers solid middle-tier performance in a field with strong job security. While not the cheapest or highest-earning option in Texas, the program offers predictable outcomes with manageable debt levels. Given that 53% of students receive Pell grants, the school successfully serves working-class families seeking reliable healthcare careers.
Where Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio graduates compare to all programs nationally
Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 62th percentile of all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (72 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio | $46,830 | $49,424 | $16,642 | 0.36 |
| Alvin Community College | $64,976 | — | $10,215 | 0.16 |
| The Chicago School-College of Nursing | $59,039 | $55,513 | $20,324 | 0.34 |
| Concorde Career College-Dallas | $57,339 | $57,064 | $17,268 | 0.30 |
| Angelina College | $54,637 | — | — | — |
| Concorde Career College-Grand Prairie | $54,557 | $49,113 | $23,636 | 0.43 |
| National Median | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alvin Community College Alvin | $1,834 | $64,976 | $10,215 |
| The Chicago School-College of Nursing Richardson | — | $59,039 | $20,324 |
| Concorde Career College-Dallas Dallas | — | $57,339 | $17,268 |
| Angelina College Lufkin | $3,150 | $54,637 | — |
| Concorde Career College-Grand Prairie Grand Prairie | — | $54,557 | $23,636 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio, approximately 53% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 375 graduates with reported earnings and 970 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.