Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-El Paso

Texas Tech's El Paso nursing program sits squarely in the middle of Texas's competitive nursing landscape—ranking at the 40th percentile statewide with $73,235 in first-year earnings. That's nearly $3,500 below the state median and a full $20,000+ behind top performers like West Coast University-Texas and University of Houston-Clear Lake. For parents weighing options, this matters: if your child can gain admission to higher-ranked Texas nursing programs, the earnings gap could amount to tens of thousands of dollars over a career.

The $25,000 in median debt is reasonable and creates a manageable 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates can realistically handle their loan payments. With 53% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves a financially diverse population, and the modest debt load means it won't trap graduates in financial hardship. The robust sample size confirms these aren't flukes—this is what typical graduates actually experience.

For families prioritizing location in El Paso or those who find this the most accessible option, it's a functional path to nursing employment. But if your student has the credentials for programs like UT Health Science Center or Texas A&M-Central Texas, those additional $15,000-20,000 in first-year earnings could justify the effort of relocating or commuting. This is a safe choice, not a standout one.