Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Rio Grande Valley College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Rio Grande Valley College's practical nursing program delivers solid performance for students entering healthcare in Texas's Rio Grande Valley. With first-year earnings of $46,825 and manageable debt of $14,117, graduates face a debt load they can realistically pay off in less than four months of gross salary. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Texas nursing programs and 62nd nationally—respectable middle-of-the-pack performance that beats both state and national median earnings.
The numbers become more compelling when you consider the alternatives. While top Texas programs like Alvin Community College report significantly higher earnings ($64,976), they may require longer commutes or relocation for students in the Valley region. For students who need to stay local—especially those from lower-income families (nearly half receive Pell grants)—this program provides reliable entry into a stable field without gambling on excessive debt. The 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio is exceptionally manageable by any standard.
The practical takeaway: This program won't make your child the highest earner among LVNs in Texas, but it offers a secure path into nursing with debt that won't dominate their financial life. For families prioritizing proximity and affordability over maximizing initial earnings, that's a reasonable trade-off.
Where Rio Grande Valley College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Rio Grande Valley College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Rio Grande Valley College graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 62th percentile of all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate programs nationally.
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio Grande Valley College | $46,825 | — | $14,117 | 0.30 |
| Alvin Community College | $64,976 | — | $10,215 | 0.16 |
| The Chicago School-College of Nursing | $59,039 | $55,513 | $20,324 | 0.34 |
| Concorde Career College-Dallas | $57,339 | $57,064 | $17,268 | 0.30 |
| Angelina College | $54,637 | — | — | — |
| Concorde Career College-Grand Prairie | $54,557 | $49,113 | $23,636 | 0.43 |
| National Median | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alvin Community College Alvin | $1,834 | $64,976 | $10,215 |
| The Chicago School-College of Nursing Richardson | — | $59,039 | $20,324 |
| Concorde Career College-Dallas Dallas | — | $57,339 | $17,268 |
| Angelina College Lufkin | $3,150 | $54,637 | — |
| Concorde Career College-Grand Prairie Grand Prairie | — | $54,557 | $23,636 |
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 Rio Grande Valley College, approximately 48% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 96 graduates with reported earnings and 150 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.