Practical Nursing at Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies

Weslaco, TX · Private nonprofit · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

a compact campus enrolling 180 students in Weslaco, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $30,574 place Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies below the $44,151 national median for Practical Nursing — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Some AI exposure exists in Practical Nursing's career paths, with 18% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 17% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $30,574 far exceeding the $7,917 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #659 of 703 Practical Nursing programs, Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $30,574 to $37,212 over five years — a 22% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

There are 2 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Practical Nursing, including Nurse, Licensed Practical (median $62,340/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

58 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
56
Low End
58
Score
59
High End
Earnings $30,574/yr (-31% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$385K
5.0% annual growth
Viable Career Paths
2 of 2
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

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

Median Debt at Graduation
$7,917
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,212
22% growth from Year 1

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%
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
$62,340
+2.6% growth 75% AI-proof
Nursing assistants
$39,530
+2.3% growth 90% AI-proof

Practical Nursing Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for Practical Nursing — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies and 702 other schools.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Practical Nursing at Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies?
At 58/100, the score looks reasonable — but Practical Nursing is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Will AI replace Practical Nursing jobs?
Highly resilient. Practical Nursing careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies graduates retain 2 of 2 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
How affordable is Practical Nursing at Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies?
At $7,917 in median debt, Practical Nursing graduates from Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Is Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies a good choice for Practical Nursing despite lower starting pay?
Lower starting pay at Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Can I learn Practical Nursing through an apprenticeship instead of Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies?
If Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies's tuition gives you pause, consider that 2 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Practical Nursing. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the job market like for Practical Nursing from Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies?
With approximately 258,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Practical Nursing offers a very large employment pool. Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →