Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
galencollege.edu/sanantonioAnalysis
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
Earnings Distribution
How Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio | $46,830 | $49,424 | +6% |
| San Jacinto Community College | $51,679 | $59,563 | +15% |
| Howard College | $44,111 | $59,256 | +34% |
| Weatherford College | $45,556 | $57,554 | +26% |
| Concorde Career College-Dallas | $57,339 | $57,064 | -0% |
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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Galen College of Nursing-San AntonioSan Antonio | $16,400 | $46,830 | $49,424 | $16,642 | 0.36 |
 Alvin Community CollegeAlvin | $1,834 | $64,976 | — | $10,215 | 0.16 |
 The Chicago School-College of NursingRichardson | — | $59,039 | $55,513 | $20,324 | 0.34 |
 Concorde Career College-DallasDallas | — | $57,339 | $57,064 | $17,268 | 0.30 |
 Angelina CollegeLufkin | $3,150 | $54,637 | — | — | — |
| Concorde Career College-Grand PrairieGrand Prairie | — | $54,557 | $49,113 | $23,636 | 0.43 |
| National Median | — | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants graduates
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.