Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at The Chicago School-College of Nursing

The estimated $8,000 debt load here deserves attention—it's roughly half the typical cost for nursing programs at Texas schools (which average around $16,000) and less than half the national median of $19,400. If this estimate holds true, The Chicago School is positioning students to enter a stable healthcare field without the crushing debt burden that often accompanies career training programs.

The first-year earnings estimate of $51,744 comes from national peer programs rather than this school's actual graduate outcomes, but it aligns with what practical nurses typically earn across the country. In Texas specifically, similar programs show a wider range—from $39,000 to $45,000—which suggests the national figure might be optimistic for Richardson. Still, even at Texas-level earnings, that low estimated debt creates a manageable 0.15 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe less than two months of their annual salary.

For parents weighing this investment, the key variable is whether that $8,000 debt estimate accurately reflects your child's situation. With 59% of students receiving Pell grants, this school serves many families with financial need. Contact the financial aid office to confirm typical borrowing amounts for nursing students specifically, and compare the total program cost against community college alternatives like Grayson or Trinity Valley that offer similar credentials at potentially lower costs.