Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Texas County Technical College

Texas County Technical College's LPN program shows a troubling pattern: graduates earn $43,248 initially but see their income drop to $38,417 by year four—an 11% decline that runs counter to typical career progression. While the debt load of $16,950 is manageable relative to first-year earnings, the backward trajectory raises questions about job stability or local market conditions in rural Missouri. This program ranks below average both nationally (46th percentile) and within Missouri (40th percentile), where the state median is barely higher at $43,355.

The gap with Missouri's stronger programs is stark. North Central Missouri College graduates earn $59,889—over 50% more than Texas County Tech's first-year figure. Even mid-tier options like Four Rivers Career Center ($50,931) deliver significantly better outcomes. Given that 60% of students here receive Pell grants, the combination of below-average earnings and declining income is particularly concerning for families with limited financial cushion.

The small sample size means one or two unusual cases could skew these numbers, but parents should verify why earnings decline so sharply after graduation. If your child is considering this program, compare it directly to the higher-performing LPN programs elsewhere in Missouri—the difference in earning potential could be worth the commute or relocation, especially for students who'll need every dollar to repay loans and build financial security.