Nursing at College of the Mainland

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

a smaller institution with 3,342 students in Texas City, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $74,310 at College of the Mainland come in 7% above the national median of $69,474 for Nursing programs.

With a 249.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $74,310 far exceeding the $5,855 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #66 of 947 programs, this Nursing program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The limited growth from $74,310 to $86,657 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Nursing careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

90 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
84
Low End
90
Score
91
High End
Earnings $74,310/yr (7% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$889K
3.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
250.6x
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)
$3,546
Out-of-state: $7,746
Median Debt at Graduation
$5,855
0.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$86,657
17% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Nursing careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at College of the Mainland

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 90/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Nursing at College of the Mainland?
This program scores 90/100 — 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 College of the Mainland?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — College of the Mainland graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
How affordable is Nursing at College of the Mainland?
Median debt of just $5,855 against $74,310/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 1 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Can I learn Nursing through an apprenticeship instead of College of the Mainland?
There are 4 registered apprenticeships connected to Nursing occupations, such as Home Health Director and Long Term Care Nurse Management. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Will Nursing graduates from College of the Mainland find jobs?
The career paths mapped to Nursing have roughly 292,500 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →