Practical Nursing at Lone Star College System

The Woodlands, TX · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

one of the larger campuses at 47,486 students in The Woodlands, TX.

Program Analysis

Lone Star College System's Practical Nursing graduates start at $51,028/yr — above the $44,151 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 229.3x 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 risk is moderate — 18% task exposure — and the 25% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Practical Nursing graduates.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $9,312 in median debt clears fast against $51,028 in annual earnings.

Ranked #17 out of 703 programs, Lone Star College System's Practical Nursing program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $51,028 to $67,662 shows 33% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable 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.

85 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
82
Low End
85
Score
85
High End
Earnings $51,028/yr (16% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$715K
7.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
231.5x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
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.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$3,090
Out-of-state: $8,700
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,312
2.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,662
33% 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

What can you do with a Practical Nursing credential from Lone Star College System? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Lone Star College System

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Lone Star College System's Practical Nursing program score?
This program scores 85/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Practical Nursing nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
How AI-proof is a career in Practical Nursing?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Practical Nursing work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Lone Star College System's score of 85/100 reflects this durability.
How affordable is Practical Nursing at Lone Star College System?
Median debt of just $9,312 against $51,028/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 2 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
What makes Lone Star College System's Practical Nursing program stand out?
Ranked #17 of 703 programs nationally, Lone Star College System lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Can I learn Practical Nursing through an apprenticeship instead of Lone Star College System?
There are 2 registered apprenticeships connected to Practical Nursing occupations, such as Nurse, Licensed Practical and Nurse, Licensed Practical. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Will Practical Nursing graduates from Lone Star College System find jobs?
The very large job market (258,500 annual openings) works in favor of Practical Nursing graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →