Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Texas Health School

Texas Health School graduates earn $48,617 their first year out—solidly above both the national median ($44,134) and Texas median ($46,004) for practical nursing programs. While this places them in the 60th percentile among Texas programs, it's worth noting the top-performing programs in the state push closer to $60-65,000. Still, for over half the student body receiving Pell grants, these earnings represent a meaningful income boost.

The real advantage here is the debt picture. At $22,220, graduates carry significantly more than the typical Texas nursing program ($14,535), yet the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 remains manageable—graduates can expect to earn more than twice their debt in their first year. That $22,000 can be paid down relatively quickly on a nearly $49,000 salary, especially compared to longer degree programs that might cost more with similar or even lower starting pay.

The tradeoff is straightforward: you're paying a premium over community college alternatives but getting above-average earnings faster. If speed to employment matters and your family can manage the higher upfront cost, this program delivers on its vocational promise. If minimizing debt is the priority, look at community colleges like Alvin or Angelina that produce stronger earnings with lower borrowing.