Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
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
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 Health Science Center at Houston graduates compare to all programs nationally
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston graduates earn $82k, placing them in the 77th 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 Health Science Center at Houston | $82,043 | $81,067 | $20,500 | 0.25 |
| 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 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.