Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at San Jacinto Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
sanjac.eduAnalysis
San Jacinto Community College's nursing program delivers notably strong earnings at relatively low debt—a combination that puts it well above the national average, though in the middle of Texas's competitive nursing market. At $51,679 in the first year, graduates earn 17% more than the national median and 12% more than the typical Texas program, while taking on just $14,250 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 means graduates can realistically pay off their loans in under three years, making this one of the more financially accessible paths into nursing.
The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Texas schools—solid but not elite in a state where several community colleges push graduates above $60,000. Still, the 15% earnings growth over four years is encouraging, suggesting graduates aren't hitting a ceiling. For families focused on minimizing debt while entering a stable healthcare field, this represents a practical choice, especially compared to programs charging similar amounts but producing lower earnings. The 30% Pell grant rate indicates the college serves working-class students effectively.
The clearest downside is competition: other Texas community colleges achieve $10,000+ higher earnings with comparable debt loads. But San Jacinto offers a reliable entry into nursing without the financial stress that derails many healthcare careers before they start.
Where San Jacinto Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How San Jacinto Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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% |
| The Chicago School-College of Nursing | $59,039 | $55,513 | -6% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 San Jacinto Community CollegePasadena | $1,992 | $51,679 | $59,563 | $14,250 | 0.28 |
 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 |
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 San Jacinto Community College, approximately 30% 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 38 graduates with reported earnings and 92 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.