Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Texarkana College

Texarkana College's practical nursing program produces graduates earning $44,812 in their first year—roughly on par with the national median but notably trailing the Texas state median of $46,004. Among the 72 Texas schools offering this program, it ranks in the 40th percentile, meaning six out of ten comparable programs in the state deliver better immediate earnings. The gap becomes more striking when you look at top Texas performers: Alvin Community College graduates earn $64,976, suggesting location and clinical partnerships can make a substantial difference in nursing job markets.

The financial picture is more encouraging. At $16,811 in median debt, graduates face a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio—well below the concerning 1.0 threshold. The program costs slightly more than the state median but remains affordable, with monthly loan payments representing roughly 12% of gross income under standard repayment. For a field where steady employment is virtually guaranteed, this debt load shouldn't derail financial stability.

The caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. For Texas families, this program offers a reliable entry point to healthcare work without crushing debt, though your child might find stronger earning potential at community colleges in larger metro areas. If staying in the Texarkana region is the priority, the economics work fine—just know that Texas nursing programs can deliver substantially more.