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

Navarro College's nursing program launches graduates into solid careers—just not at the pace of most Texas programs. With starting earnings of $58,906, graduates earn roughly $12,500 less than the typical Texas associate-degree nurse, placing this program at the 25th percentile statewide. That gap persists even after four years, when median earnings reach $67,315, still trailing both state and national benchmarks by several thousand dollars.

The more modest earnings come with a moderate debt load of $18,750, slightly below the Texas median. This keeps the immediate financial burden manageable—graduates owe roughly three months' salary, well below levels that typically strain budgets. The 14% earnings growth over four years is respectable, suggesting nurses do advance, though many Texas programs prepare graduates for higher-paying positions from day one. The gap between Navarro and top Texas programs like El Paso Community College ($79,996 starting) or Weatherford College ($78,873) is significant enough to impact long-term wealth building.

For Texas families, this program offers a financially safe entry into nursing but leaves money on the table compared to alternatives across the state. If location or circumstances make Navarro the practical choice, the debt burden won't be crushing. But if your student can access one of the higher-performing Texas programs without major logistical or financial sacrifice, that's likely the better investment.