Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Lamar University

Lamar University's nursing program gets graduates working quickly at solid wages—$77,946 in the first year—but the earnings trajectory tells you to check expectations. While starting salaries beat both the national and Texas medians, four-year earnings of $80,368 represent just 3% growth, placing graduates firmly in the middle of the pack statewide (60th percentile). The $25,196 debt load is reasonable but not exceptional, running close to the Texas median.

What matters here is the gap between Lamar and Texas's top-performing programs. Graduates from places like West Coast University-Texas and University of Houston-Clear Lake earn $13,000-$16,000 more annually—a difference that compounds significantly over a nursing career. With Lamar's high admission rate and relatively accessible entry requirements, you're looking at a program that delivers workforce readiness rather than premium earning potential.

For families prioritizing immediate employment in Southeast Texas healthcare systems, this works. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 means your child can manage payments on a single nurse's salary. But if they're academically competitive and willing to relocate or commute, exploring programs in Houston or Austin could add tens of thousands to lifetime earnings without dramatically increasing debt.