Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Midwestern State University

Midwestern State University's nursing program delivers solid first-year earnings of $77,928—about $3,000 above the national median and $1,200 above the Texas state median. With $27,000 in debt, graduates face manageable monthly payments of roughly $300, taking about four months of earnings to cover the full balance. That's a reasonable financial foundation for new nurses, particularly at a school where 40% of students receive Pell grants.

The concerning element is what happens next: earnings essentially flatline over the first four years, staying around $77,500 while graduates from top Texas programs like West Coast University-Texas and University of Houston-Clear Lake earn $15,000-$18,000 more by year four. This stagnation suggests graduates may be staying in entry-level positions longer or working in settings with limited advancement opportunities. That 60th percentile ranking among Texas programs tells you this is a middle-of-the-pack outcome in a competitive state nursing market.

For families prioritizing immediate job placement and manageable debt, this program works—you're not gambling with outsized loans, and new graduates can support themselves comfortably. But if career progression matters to your child, they'll need to be proactive about seeking specialized certifications or moving into higher-paying settings after graduation. The program gets you into nursing without financial strain; advancing within the field will require extra initiative.