Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at The University of Texas at El Paso

UTEP's nursing program produces graduates who earn less than typical Texas nurses but graduate with notably lower debt burdens. While first-year earnings of $72,429 trail both the Texas median ($76,677) and national average ($74,888), the $21,379 median debt is substantially below state and national norms. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.30—meaning graduates owe roughly four months of salary, compared to much higher ratios at many nursing programs.

The concerning pattern here is that earnings actually decline slightly over the first four years, dropping to $71,055 by year four. This differs from most nursing programs where experience typically drives salary growth. However, the low debt load means graduates aren't burdened by heavy loan payments while building their careers. For context, UTEP ranks in the 40th percentile among Texas nursing programs for earnings—middle of the pack in a competitive state market.

For parents, this represents a financially conservative path into nursing. Your child will graduate with manageable debt and immediately employable skills, even if the earning potential doesn't match Texas's top-performing programs. Given UTEP's 100% admission rate and the fact that 61% of students receive Pell grants, this program serves students well who need an accessible entry point into a stable healthcare career without the debt burden that could limit their early-career choices.