Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Houston

University of Houston nursing graduates start strong with first-year earnings of $85,740—well above both the national median ($74,888) and the Texas median ($76,677). However, that income advantage erodes significantly: by year four, earnings drop to $75,144, falling below where they started and trailing several other Texas programs. While UH still ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, that's a modest position given that graduates from University of Houston-Clear Lake, West Coast University-Texas, and even Austin Community College see higher earnings trajectories. The moderate debt load of $26,283 keeps the initial debt-to-earnings ratio manageable at 0.31, but the income trajectory raises questions about career progression.

The earnings decline likely reflects Houston's competitive nursing market, where new graduates may accept higher-paying intensive care or specialty positions but later transition to roles with better work-life balance at lower pay. It could also indicate that some graduates pursue advanced degrees or shift into education or administrative tracks. For families comparing options, UH offers solid access to Houston's major medical centers and a reasonable debt burden—but the long-term earning potential doesn't match what top Texas programs deliver. If your child is focused on maximizing income stability over time, programs like UH-Clear Lake or Texas A&M-Central Texas show stronger four-year trajectories without significantly higher debt.