Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at The University of Texas at Arlington
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UT Arlington's nursing program delivers strong immediate earning power, with graduates earning $85,513 in their first year—significantly above both national ($74,888) and Texas ($76,677) medians for nursing programs. The program ranks in the 85th percentile nationally, making it a standout performer among the 1,191 nursing programs across the country. However, within Texas's competitive nursing landscape, it sits at the 60th percentile among 73 programs, placing it in solid middle-tier territory statewide.
The debt picture is reasonable at $26,182, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31—meaning graduates typically owe about four months' salary. This is slightly below the national median debt for nursing programs. The concerning element is the slight earnings decline from year one to year four (-2%), suggesting this program may help students land strong entry-level positions but doesn't necessarily set them up for rapid career advancement.
For an accessible program (81% admission rate) serving a diverse student body (40% Pell recipients), UT Arlington offers solid value. Your child would graduate with strong immediate earning potential and manageable debt, though they shouldn't expect dramatic salary growth in the first few years. This represents a dependable path into nursing with good financial fundamentals, even if it doesn't match the premium programs in Texas.
Where The University of Texas at Arlington Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Texas at Arlington graduates compare to all programs nationally
The University of Texas at Arlington graduates earn $86k, placing them in the 85th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (73 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at Arlington | $85,513 | $83,895 | $26,182 | 0.31 |
| West Coast University-Texas | $95,859 | $98,869 | $38,145 | 0.40 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | $93,001 | — | — | — |
| Baptist Health System School of Health Professions | $91,456 | — | $43,010 | 0.47 |
| Austin Community College District | $88,105 | — | — | — |
| Texas A&M University-Central Texas | $88,036 | — | $22,750 | 0.26 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast University-Texas Richardson | $16,715 | $95,859 | $38,145 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston | $7,746 | $93,001 | — |
| Baptist Health System School of Health Professions San Antonio | $14,675 | $91,456 | $43,010 |
| Austin Community College District Austin | $2,550 | $88,105 | — |
| Texas A&M University-Central Texas Killeen | $6,627 | $88,036 | $22,750 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At The University of Texas at Arlington, approximately 40% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 3865 graduates with reported earnings and 4607 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.