Est. Earnings (1yr)
$46,004
Est. from TX median (42 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$14,250
Est. from TX median (34 programs)

Analysis

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Ranger CollegeRanger$4,725$46,004*$46,350$14,250*—
Alvin Community CollegeAlvin$1,834$64,976*—$10,215*0.16
The Chicago School-College of NursingRichardson—$59,039*$55,513$20,324*0.34
Concorde Career College-DallasDallas—$57,339*$57,064$17,268*0.30
Angelina CollegeLufkin$3,150$54,637*——*—
Concorde Career College-Grand PrairieGrand Prairie—$54,557*$49,113$23,636*0.43
National Median—$44,134*—$14,803*0.34
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants graduates

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.

$62,340/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Nursing Assistants

Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.

$39,430/yrJobs growth:
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.