Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Galen Health Institutes-Austin Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
This nursing program delivers solid earnings but comes with a significant debt burden that sets it apart from most competitors. Starting salaries of $76,234 are respectable—slightly above the national average and just below Texas's median for nursing programs. However, the real concern is the debt load: at $45,775, graduates carry nearly double the typical debt for nursing programs both nationally and in Texas.
Among Texas nursing programs, this ranks in the 40th percentile for earnings, meaning 60% of programs produce higher-earning graduates. The debt situation is more troubling—this program ranks in the bottom 5% nationally for debt levels, meaning 95% of similar programs burden students with less debt. When you compare this to top Texas programs like West Coast University-Texas ($95,859) or University of Houston-Clear Lake ($93,001), the value gap becomes clear.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 means graduates will likely struggle more with loan payments than peers at other programs. With 51% of students receiving Pell grants, many come from lower-income families who can least afford this debt burden. While nursing generally offers stable employment prospects, your child could achieve similar or better outcomes with significantly less debt at numerous other Texas nursing programs.
Where Galen Health Institutes-Austin Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors'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 Health Institutes-Austin Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Galen Health Institutes-Austin Campus graduates earn $76k, placing them in the 55th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors 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
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (73 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galen Health Institutes-Austin Campus | $76,234 | $82,003 | $45,775 | 0.60 |
| West Coast University-Texas | $95,859 | $98,869 | $38,145 | 0.40 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | $93,001 | — | — | — |
| Baptist Health System School of Health Professions | $91,456 | — | $43,010 | 0.47 |
| Austin Community College District | $88,105 | — | — | — |
| Texas A&M University-Central Texas | $88,036 | — | $22,750 | 0.26 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast University-Texas Richardson | $16,715 | $95,859 | $38,145 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston | $7,746 | $93,001 | — |
| Baptist Health System School of Health Professions San Antonio | $14,675 | $91,456 | $43,010 |
| Austin Community College District Austin | $2,550 | $88,105 | — |
| Texas A&M University-Central Texas Killeen | $6,627 | $88,036 | $22,750 |
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 Health Institutes-Austin Campus, approximately 51% 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 607 graduates with reported earnings and 760 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.