Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Victoria College

Victoria College's nursing program produces graduates who can work as RNs with relatively little debt, but their earning power lags behind what you'd expect in Texas. First-year nurses here earn about $65,000—roughly $6,500 below the state median and $3,400 below the national average. Among Texas nursing programs, this ranks only at the 40th percentile, meaning six out of ten similar programs in the state deliver better outcomes. Meanwhile, several Texas community colleges are placing new RNs into jobs paying $78,000-$80,000 annually, a meaningful gap of $13,000-$15,000.

The positive side is manageable debt: graduates leave owing $14,900, which represents just 23% of first-year earnings—a comfortable burden for an entry-level nurse. However, the debt advantage is somewhat offset by those lower wages compounding over time. Four years out, earnings barely budge to $66,664, suggesting limited advancement compared to other programs where nurses typically see stronger salary progression.

For an anxious parent, the question is whether Victoria's lower tuition justifies the wage penalty. If your child plans to stay in the Victoria area where living costs may be lower, this could work. But if they're willing to relocate or consider other Texas nursing programs, the data suggests they could earn $6,000-$13,000 more annually right from graduation—a difference that quickly dwarfs any savings on tuition.