Practical Nursing at Southwest Texas Junior College
with a smaller student body of 3,170 in Uvalde, TX.
Program Analysis
Southwest Texas Junior College's Practical Nursing graduates start at $26,691/yr, trailing the $44,151 national average by 40%. The program's value hinges on affordability.
The 174.1x 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 exposure is significant at 18% of job tasks, producing a 40% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $9,000 in median debt clears fast against $26,691 in annual earnings.
Ranked #260 out of 703 programs, Southwest Texas Junior College's Practical Nursing offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth from $26,691 to $46,642 over five years (75% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.
Practical Nursing connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Practical Nursing graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses | $62,340 | +2.6% | 75% |
| Nursing assistants | $39,530 | +2.3% | 90% |
About Practical Nursing Careers
Your career begins on the front lines of patient care as a nursing assistant. In a hospital or long-term care facility, your active days will be spent helping patients with essential tasks like bathing, eating, and moving safely. You’ll be a vital part of the medical team, taking blood pressure and temperature and serving as the eyes and ears for the supervising nurses.
Compare & Explore
Practical Nursing Overview
Practical Nursing at Other Schools
Other Majors at Southwest Texas Junior College
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.