At $29,824/yr net price, Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio graduates earn $61,480/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,480/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,824 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $119,296 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,480/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,480/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,166 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $29,464/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,448/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,287/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,534/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,361/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,358 | $24,808 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,388 | $15,800 |
The Risk Factor
68.1% of students at Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on which nursing program you choose. The registered nursing track offers reasonable value with graduates earning $58,358 annually against $24,808 in debt, creating manageable loan payments in a stable job market. However, the practical nursing program presents concerning economics with graduates earning just $37,388 while carrying $15,800 in debt.
The college's 68% graduation rate and 72% retention rate signal completion challenges that could leave you with debt but no degree. San Antonio's healthcare market supports nursing careers well, but you need to finish your program to benefit. The $29,824 annual net price puts significant financial pressure on students, especially those in lower-paying practical nursing tracks.
This school works best for students committed to completing the registered nursing program who can handle the academic demands. The practical nursing option creates financial risk given the earnings-to-debt ratio. You should avoid Galen if you're uncertain about finishing your program or considering the practical nursing track as a cost-saving measure.
With 53% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Focus on federal aid and consider community college nursing programs as alternatives that offer similar career outcomes at lower cost. The for-profit structure means higher prices without corresponding earning advantages over public nursing programs in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio worth the high tuition cost?
With a net price of nearly $30,000 per year and 10-year earnings of $61,480, Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio offers modest returns compared to many four-year programs. The registered nursing program shows better value at $58,358 median earnings, but practical nursing graduates earn just $37,388.
What is the graduation rate at Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio?
Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio has a 68% graduation rate, meaning about one in three students don't finish their program. This completion rate is concerning given the high tuition costs and should factor into your decision.
How much debt do Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio students typically graduate with?
Students typically graduate with $24,166 in debt, which is manageable for registered nursing graduates earning $58,000+ but creates financial stress for practical nursing graduates earning under $40,000. The debt-to-income ratio varies significantly by program.
Which programs at Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio have the best ROI?
The registered nursing and nursing administration programs offer the strongest return with median earnings around $58,000. Avoid the practical nursing program, where graduates earn just $37,388 despite similar tuition costs.