Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration at Howard College
a compact campus enrolling 1,588 students in Big Spring, TX.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $74,542 at Howard College come in 7% above the national median of $69,474 for Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs.
With a 141.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
With first-year pay of $74,542 far exceeding the $12,062 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Howard College ranks #114 among 947 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The limited growth from $74,542 to $78,014 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 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration 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 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration 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% |
About Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration Careers
Your career begins on the front lines as a Registered Nurse. You’ll work in fast-paced hospitals or clinics, monitoring patient vitals on EKG machines, administering medications, and updating electronic health records. After gaining experience, your path can branch. You might pursue advanced clinical practice to become a Nurse Practitioner, where you’ll diagnose conditions, prescribe treatments, and manage your own patient caseload. Alternatively, you could move into leadership as a Health Services Manager, where your day involves managing staff schedules, overseeing budgets, and ensuring your department runs smoothly.
Read the full Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration career guide →
Compare & Explore
Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration Overview
Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration at Other Schools
Other Majors at Howard College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.