Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Wharton County Junior College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
With only around 20-30 graduates tracked, Wharton County Junior College's practical nursing program shows solid fundamentals but lacks the graduate volume to inspire full confidence. The $48,326 first-year earnings beat both the Texas median ($46,004) and national median ($44,134), placing graduates around the 60th percentile statewide. More importantly, the $9,985 in typical debt is roughly a third lower than what students at other Texas programs carry—you're looking at debt that equals just two months of earnings.
The main question mark here is whether these outcomes hold up across larger cohorts. The program performs respectably but falls well short of what top Texas programs deliver—Alvin Community College's graduates earn $64,976, and several other programs clear $54,000. That said, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 is excellent for any healthcare credential, and practical nursing programs generally offer stable employment prospects.
For families prioritizing affordability and local training, this works as a low-risk option to enter nursing quickly. Just recognize you're betting on limited data, and graduates elsewhere in Texas are accessing significantly higher starting wages with similar credentials.
Where Wharton County Junior College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate'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 Wharton County Junior College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Wharton County Junior College graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 68th percentile of all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (72 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wharton County Junior College | $48,326 | — | $9,985 | 0.21 |
| Alvin Community College | $64,976 | — | $10,215 | 0.16 |
| The Chicago School-College of Nursing | $59,039 | $55,513 | $20,324 | 0.34 |
| Concorde Career College-Dallas | $57,339 | $57,064 | $17,268 | 0.30 |
| Angelina College | $54,637 | — | — | — |
| Concorde Career College-Grand Prairie | $54,557 | $49,113 | $23,636 | 0.43 |
| National Median | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alvin Community College Alvin | $1,834 | $64,976 | $10,215 |
| The Chicago School-College of Nursing Richardson | — | $59,039 | $20,324 |
| Concorde Career College-Dallas Dallas | — | $57,339 | $17,268 |
| Angelina College Lufkin | $3,150 | $54,637 | — |
| Concorde Career College-Grand Prairie Grand Prairie | — | $54,557 | $23,636 |
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 Wharton County Junior College, approximately 27% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.