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

Lee College's nursing program represents solid value, though it's not quite best-in-class for Texas. With first-year earnings of $72,164 and manageable debt of $14,750, graduates face a debt load worth just 2.4 months of income—one of the better ratios you'll find among associate degree programs. The 60th percentile ranking among Texas nursing schools means there's room for comparison shopping (top programs like El Paso Community College produce $8,000 higher starting salaries), but this program still outperforms the national median by nearly $4,000.

The modest 5% earnings growth over four years suggests nurses here reach their ceiling relatively quickly, which is common in associate-level nursing roles where pay scales plateau. However, in a field where many graduates carry $20,000+ in debt, Lee College's lower borrowing requirement creates immediate financial breathing room. The program serves a substantial number of Pell-eligible students while maintaining above-average outcomes, which speaks to accessibility without sacrificing results.

For a family prioritizing quick entry into a stable career with minimal debt risk, this program delivers. If your child is determined to maximize earning potential, the gap between Lee College and top Texas programs is worth investigating—but the financial safety net here is real and valuable.