Practical Nursing at Howard College
with a smaller student body of 1,588 in Big Spring, TX.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $44,111 track close to the $44,151 national median for Practical Nursing programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
With a 271.0x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
Career paths for Practical Nursing carry above-average AI exposure (18% of tasks). The 39% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.
At $8,500 in median debt against $44,111 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
At #53 of 703 programs, this Practical Nursing program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.
The $44,111-to-$68,575 earnings arc over five years reflects a 55% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.
For students considering alternatives, 2 registered apprenticeship programs align with Practical Nursing careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.
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 Howard College
Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?
Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.