Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Houston Community College

Houston Community College's nursing program sits at the 40th percentile among Texas nursing programs—below the state median of $71,487 by about $5,000 annually. While $66,743 starting isn't bad for an associate's degree with under $19,000 in debt, several Texas community colleges consistently place their nursing graduates $10,000-$25,000 higher right out of the gate. That earnings gap widens to nearly $10,000 when comparing four-year outcomes ($81,903 here versus the state's stronger performers).

The debt load is reasonable and actually slightly below Texas norms, giving graduates a manageable 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio. The 23% earnings growth over four years shows nurses from this program do advance professionally. However, that starting point matters: beginning at $66,743 versus $79,000 means catching up takes years, and the compounding effect on lifetime earnings is substantial.

For families weighing options, this program works if Houston Community College is the only accessible choice or if location requirements dictate staying local. But if your child can feasibly attend El Paso Community College, Texas State Technical College, or several other in-state options, those programs deliver materially better financial outcomes for similar debt. The nursing credential will get them working, but you're accepting a below-average starting position within the Texas market.