Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Temple College

Temple College's practical nursing program puts graduates right in the middle of the Texas pack—60th percentile statewide—with first-year earnings of $46,167. That's slightly above both the state and national medians, and the debt load of $15,074 is manageable at just a third of first-year income. For a certificate program serving a substantial Pell-eligible population (40%), these numbers represent a solid pathway into healthcare work without crushing debt.

The concern is what happens next. Earnings barely budge over four years, growing only 3% to $47,370, while top Texas programs like Alvin Community College see graduates earning $65,000. This suggests limited advancement opportunity—you're essentially getting what you see from day one. For families focused purely on quick workforce entry with minimal debt, that stability might be acceptable. But students hoping to grow their earning power significantly may find themselves stuck at entry-level wages.

The value here depends entirely on your expectations. If your child needs to start earning quickly and wants to avoid heavy debt, Temple College delivers a viable option. But if career growth matters, understand that this program appears to train for positions with flat earnings trajectories rather than roles with clear advancement paths.