Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Temple College

Temple College's nursing program launches graduates into solid starting salaries—$72,579 is above both national and Texas medians—but there's a catch that matters. Four years out, earnings drop to $69,934, a concerning dip in a field where most nurses see steady income growth. At 60th percentile statewide, this program sits comfortably in the middle tier, though top Texas programs like The College of Health Care Professions-Northwest reach $91,000+. The modest debt load of $19,805 means graduates aren't overpaying for these outcomes.

The earnings decline likely reflects something specific about this program's career pathways—perhaps graduates clustering in lower-paying specialty areas or facing limited advancement opportunities compared to peers elsewhere. For comparison, nursing programs typically see stable or rising earnings as graduates gain experience and certifications. With 40% of students receiving Pell grants, Temple College serves economically vulnerable students who need reliable income trajectories, making this pattern particularly relevant.

The bottom line: Your child will enter a stable, middle-class profession with manageable debt, but don't expect the earnings growth typical of nursing careers. If staying local matters and the low debt appeals to you, this works—just understand the program performs solidly but not exceptionally within Texas's competitive nursing landscape.