Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at West Coast University-Texas
Bachelor's Degree
westcoastuniversity.eduAnalysis
West Coast University-Texas delivers exceptional nursing graduate outcomes that justify its premium price point. With median first-year earnings of $95,859, graduates earn nearly $20,000 more than the typical Texas nursing program and rank in the 95th percentile nationally—placing this among the top nursing programs in the country. Among Texas's 73 nursing programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, competing directly with University of Houston-Clear Lake and other top-tier programs.
The debt picture tells an equally compelling story. At $38,145, student debt is higher than typical nursing programs but sits in just the 7th percentile nationally for debt levels, meaning 93% of nursing programs saddle students with more debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 is excellent—graduates earn more than twice their debt in their first year alone. This is particularly impressive given that 52% of students receive Pell grants, indicating the program successfully serves lower-income students without compromising outcomes.
The modest 3% earnings growth from year one to four suggests graduates start at premium salaries that reflect market value rather than requiring years to reach competitive pay. For families willing to invest in a higher-cost program, this represents one of the strongest nursing education value propositions in Texas, delivering both exceptional starting salaries and manageable debt loads.
Where West Coast University-Texas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How West Coast University-Texas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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% |
| Galen Health Institutes-Austin Campus | $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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 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 |
 Schreiner UniversityKerrville | $37,396 | $86,950 | $80,357 | $29,706 | 0.34 |
| 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 West Coast University-Texas, approximately 52% 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 3430 graduates with reported earnings and 3876 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.