Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Howard College

Howard College nursing graduates start strong with a $74,542 first-year salary—above both the national median ($68,409) and ranking in the 60th percentile among Texas programs. The $17,261 debt load is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.23, meaning new nurses can theoretically pay off their loans in under three months of gross earnings. That's a solid financial foundation.

The complication appears in year four, when median earnings drop to $65,148. This might reflect the rural Big Spring market, where nurses may face fewer advancement opportunities compared to Texas's metro areas, or it could indicate graduates moving into different nursing roles with varying pay scales. Still, even at the lower four-year mark, earnings remain competitive with the national median. The moderate sample size suggests these figures represent a consistent pattern rather than an outlier year.

For families looking at nursing programs in West Texas, Howard College offers a cost-effective entry point into a stable profession. You won't see the $90K+ salaries that some Texas programs produce, but you're also avoiding the debt that often comes with pricier programs. The key consideration is whether your child plans to stay in the region—if they're willing to relocate to Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio after gaining experience, that initial credential could lead to significantly higher earnings.