Nursing at Kilgore College

Kilgore, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

with a smaller student body of 3,133 in Kilgore, TX.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $65,971/yr, roughly in line with the $69,474 national median for Nursing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 187.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 39% task exposure — and the 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Nursing graduates.

With first-year pay of $65,971 far exceeding the $18,951 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #115 out of 947 programs, Kilgore College's Nursing program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $65,971 to $79,013 over five years (20% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

Nursing connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

89 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
82
Low End
89
Score
89
High End
Earnings $65,971/yr (-5% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$815K
4.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
188.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,320
Out-of-state: $10,512
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,951
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$79,013
20% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Nursing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Nurse anesthetists $223,210 +8.6% 83%
Nurse practitioners $129,210 +40.1% 52%
Nurse midwives $128,790 +11.1% 61%
Nurse anesthetists
$223,210
+8.6% growth 83% AI-proof
Nurse practitioners
$129,210
+40.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Nurse midwives
$128,790
+11.1% growth 61% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Nursing Career Guide

Explore what Nursing graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 947 programs nationwide.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Kilgore College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Kilgore College's Nursing program score?
This program scores 89/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Nursing nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at Kilgore College?
With 39% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $690,204 in decade earnings vs $814,946 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
How affordable is Nursing at Kilgore College?
At $18,951 in median debt, Nursing graduates from Kilgore College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Why does Kilgore College rank so high for Nursing?
Ranked #115 of 947 programs nationally, Kilgore College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Can I learn Nursing through an apprenticeship instead of Kilgore College?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Nursing. For students weighing Kilgore College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Nursing graduates?
The very large job market (292,500 annual openings) works in favor of Nursing graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →