Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Lone Star College System

The debt load here tells an encouraging story: $8,875 is remarkably low for a nursing credential, coming in well below both the Texas median ($13,061) and the national median ($23,562). Combined with first-year earnings that national peer programs suggest around $66,398, this puts Lone Star's debt-to-earnings ratio at just 0.13—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in less than two months of gross income.

However, there's a notable discrepancy worth understanding. While the first-year estimate derives from national programs showing $66,398, the actual four-year earnings reported for this specific program are $66,817—essentially flat growth. This pattern differs from typical nursing trajectories, where earnings often climb steadily in early career years. The stagnant progression might reflect local market conditions in the Houston metro area or the career paths specific to certificate holders versus degree-holding RNs.

The minimal debt makes this a relatively low-risk entry point into nursing, especially if you're certain about the career path. The fact that earnings don't appear to grow substantially between years one and four suggests the certificate positions graduates quickly but perhaps not on the highest advancement track—which may be perfectly acceptable if your child wants to start working immediately while potentially pursuing further credentials later.