Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Wharton County Junior College

Wharton County Junior College's nursing graduates start strong, earning $78,791 right out of the gate—well above both the Texas median ($71,487) and national average ($68,409). The debt load of $13,346 is remarkably low, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.17, meaning graduates earn back their entire investment in about two months. This combination of solid pay and minimal debt explains why the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Texas nursing programs.

The notable downside is the earnings trajectory: salaries drop to $72,737 by year four, an 8% decline that's unusual in nursing. This could reflect graduates moving from higher-paying hospital positions to other nursing roles, or it might simply be noise from the small sample size (fewer than 30 graduates tracked). However, even with this dip, year-four earnings still exceed the Texas median.

For parents worried about their child taking on debt for an associate's degree, this program offers a low-risk entry point into nursing. Your child would graduate with manageable debt and immediate earning power. The earnings decline warrants attention, but given the strong starting position and minimal financial exposure, this remains a practical path into a stable profession—especially if staying in Texas where these credentials clearly hold value.