Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at The University of Texas at Tyler
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UT Tyler's nursing program delivers solid financial outcomes with notably manageable debt, though earnings lag behind Texas peers. Graduates earn $73,963 in their first year—close to the national median but about $2,700 below the Texas median for nursing programs. More concerning is the program's ranking in the 40th percentile among Texas nursing schools, meaning 60% of comparable programs in the state produce higher-earning graduates.
The standout feature here is the debt load: at $24,356, it's well below both national and state medians for nursing programs. This creates an attractive debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a reasonable timeframe. However, the earnings trajectory shows a slight decline from year one to year four (-5%), which is unusual for healthcare professions and suggests limited career advancement opportunities compared to other programs.
For families prioritizing financial security over maximum earning potential, UT Tyler offers a solid path into nursing with minimal debt burden. The program's accessibility (92% admission rate) and affordability make it a practical choice, especially for students who might struggle to gain admission to higher-performing Texas programs. However, if your child has strong academics and could access top-tier programs like University of Houston-Clear Lake or West Coast University-Texas, the $20,000+ earnings premium those schools offer would likely justify the investment difference over a career.
Where The University of Texas at Tyler 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 Tyler graduates compare to all programs nationally
The University of Texas at Tyler graduates earn $74k, placing them in the 45th 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 Tyler | $73,963 | $70,461 | $24,356 | 0.33 |
| 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 Tyler, approximately 38% 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 615 graduates with reported earnings and 602 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.