Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Bachelor's Degree
uth.eduAnalysis
UT Health Science Center Houston's nursing program delivers strong earning potential with remarkably low debt, making it an excellent financial investment. Graduates earn $82,043 in their first year—well above the national average of $74,888 and ranking in the 77th percentile nationally. While the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Texas nursing schools, the real standout is the debt picture: graduates leave with just $20,500 in median debt compared to $27,000 nationally and $25,697 statewide.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 is exceptional—graduates owe roughly three months' salary, which is highly manageable for a nursing career. This low debt burden is particularly impressive given that 43% of students receive Pell grants, indicating the program serves many lower-income students while keeping costs reasonable. The slight earnings decline from year one to four (-1%) is unusual but not concerning given nursing's stable salary trajectory.
While top Texas nursing programs like West Coast University produce higher earners ($95,859), they likely come with significantly higher debt loads. UT Health Science Center Houston offers the sweet spot: solid above-average earnings with minimal debt burden, making it a financially smart choice that won't saddle your child with overwhelming student loans while launching a stable, well-paying career.
Where The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | $82,043 | $81,067 | -1% |
| West Coast University-Texas | $95,859 | $98,869 | +3% |
| Prairie View A & M University | $83,218 | $84,269 | +1% |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | $85,513 | $83,895 | -2% |
| Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio | $76,234 | $82,003 | +8% |
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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHouston | — | $82,043 | $81,067 | $20,500 | 0.25 |
 West Coast University-TexasRichardson | $16,715 | $95,859 | $98,869 | $38,145 | 0.40 |
 University of Houston-Clear LakeHouston | $7,746 | $93,001 | — | — | — |
 Baptist Health System School of Health ProfessionsSan Antonio | $14,675 | $91,456 | — | $43,010 | 0.47 |
 Austin Community College DistrictAustin | $2,550 | $88,105 | — | — | — |
 Texas A&M University-Central TexasKilleen | $6,627 | $88,036 | — | $22,750 | 0.26 |
| National Median | — | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
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 Health Science Center at Houston, approximately 43% 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 589 graduates with reported earnings and 518 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.