Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Texas State Technical College

Texas State Technical College's nursing program launches graduates into strong initial earnings—$79,324 in the first year beats both national and Texas medians by over $10,000. That puts it in the 89th percentile nationally and 60th in Texas, where nursing competition is fierce among 64 programs. With debt of $24,654, graduates earn more than three times what they owe, making the initial financial proposition solid. Nearly half the students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program successfully serves working-class students.

The complication: earnings slip to $75,337 by year four, a 5% decline that's unusual in a field where most nurses see steady wage growth. This might reflect local market dynamics in Waco or job mobility patterns, but it's worth investigating whether graduates are moving into roles with better advancement potential. The program still outperforms national benchmarks even at year four, but trails the highest-earning Texas programs by $15,000+.

For an associate degree costing under $25,000, this program delivers immediate earning power that justifies the investment. The earnings dip warrants attention during campus visits—ask about career services support and whether graduates typically pursue BSN completion programs that could boost long-term earnings. But the strong entry point and manageable debt make this a financially sound option for students ready to enter nursing quickly.