Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at San Jacinto Community College

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.