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

Midland College's nursing program graduates earn about $10,000 less than the typical Texas RN with an associate degree—ranking at the 40th percentile statewide but only the 19th percentile nationally. That gap widens when you look at top Texas programs: El Paso Community College graduates earn nearly $18,000 more annually, and several other community colleges in the state significantly outperform Midland. For families weighing regional options, this matters.

The financial structure works in the program's favor. At $12,500 in median debt—well below both state and national averages—graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20. That's roughly two months of salary, which means most RNs can pay down their loans quickly despite the lower earnings. The flat earnings trajectory (essentially unchanged from year one to year four) is typical for associate-degree nursing roles where pay scales plateau earlier than BSN-prepared nurses.

Here's the practical calculation: if your child can attend Midland College affordably and wants to work locally, the low debt makes this viable. But if relocation is an option, other Texas community colleges offer the same credential with substantially higher earning potential. The program works as an entry point to nursing, but geography will determine whether it's the best choice among Texas associates programs.