Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Ranger College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
rangercollege.edu/#gsc.tab=0Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 puts this program in solid territory for vocational training, though the figures here come from similar LVN programs across Texas rather than Ranger's specific outcomes. Based on comparable programs statewide, first-year earnings around $46,000 against roughly $14,250 in debt represents a manageable burden—graduates would typically repay about 31 cents for every dollar earned in that crucial first year.
What's worth noting is the limited earnings growth: the jump from year one to year four is minimal (just $350), which mirrors what we see across many LVN programs nationally. This is a field with fairly compressed wages, meaning you'll likely start near where you'll stay for several years. The estimated earnings here align almost exactly with the Texas median for these programs, suggesting Ranger produces outcomes typical of the state's LVN training landscape.
The real question is whether this represents good value compared to alternatives. Several Texas programs—Alvin Community College, Angelina College—report considerably higher earnings for their LVN graduates, some exceeding $54,000 or even $64,000 in first-year pay. Without Ranger's actual graduate data, it's impossible to know whether this program positions students for the stronger end of the LVN job market or the typical middle. If location flexibility matters and you're considering multiple LVN programs, comparing schools with reported outcomes would give you a clearer picture of what different training approaches actually deliver.
Where Ranger College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranger College | — | $46,350 | — |
| San Jacinto Community College | $51,679 | $59,563 | +15% |
| Howard College | $44,111 | $59,256 | +34% |
| Weatherford College | $45,556 | $57,554 | +26% |
| Concorde Career College-Dallas | $57,339 | $57,064 | -0% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (72 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,725 | $46,004* | $46,350 | $14,250* | — | |
| $1,834 | $64,976* | — | $10,215* | 0.16 | |
| — | $59,039* | $55,513 | $20,324* | 0.34 | |
| — | $57,339* | $57,064 | $17,268* | 0.30 | |
| $3,150 | $54,637* | — | —* | — | |
| — | $54,557* | $49,113 | $23,636* | 0.43 | |
| National Median | — | $44,134* | — | $14,803* | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Ranger College, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 42 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.