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2023 Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Southwest Region

384 Schools Ranked
$41,392 Average Earnings
$21,622 Avg Student Debt

A healthcare student has lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Healthcare Degree Search has created the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Southwest Region to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 384 schools in the Southwest Region to see which ones were the most popular programs for healthcare students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona
9,530 Total Awards
$48,396 Average Earnings
$31,746 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Grand Canyon University to be the most popular school for healthcare students in the Southwest Region . Located in Phoenix, Arizona, the large private for-profit school awarded 9,530 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $31,746 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $174, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Grand Canyon University graduates make an average of $48,396 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

Read full report on Grand Canyon University

5,262 Total Awards
$50,608 Average Earnings
$33,058 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend University of Phoenix - Arizona. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Southwest Region list. UOPX - Arizona is located in Tempe, Arizona and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 5,262 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $33,058 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $146, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UOPX - Arizona, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,608 during the early years of their career. Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Phoenix - Arizona

5,176 Total Awards
$48,602 Average Earnings
$23,737 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means The University of Texas at Arlington is a great place for healthcare students. Arlington, Texas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 5,176 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,737 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $163. During the early years of their career, UT Arlington graduates make an average of $48,602 annually. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on The University of Texas at Arlington

2,311 Total Awards
$71,841 Average Earnings
$25,080 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a great place for healthcare students. Located in Lubbock, Texas, the medium-sized public school handed out 2,311 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,080 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $242. Once they receive their degree, TTUHSC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $71,841 during the early year of their career. Around 79% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Report

#5

Aspen University

Denver, Arizona
1,920 Total Awards
$83,891 Average Earnings
$36,338 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Aspen University. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Southwest Region list. Aspen University is a medium-sized private for-profit school situated in Denver, Arizona. It awarded 1,920 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Aspen University accumulate an average of $36,338 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Aspen University graduates make an average of $83,891 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

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#6

University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona
1,571 Total Awards
$46,654 Average Earnings
$21,823 Avg Student Debt

University of Arizona did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #6 on the list. University of Arizona is a large public school situated in Tucson, Arizona. It awarded 1,571 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,823 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $407, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, University of Arizona graduates make an average of $46,654 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

Full University of Arizona Report

#7

Tulsa Technology Center

Tulsa, Oklahoma
1,521 Total Awards
$29,478 Average Earnings
$12,350 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Tulsa Technology Center did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the small public school awarded 1,521 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,350 in student loans.After graduating from Tulsa Tech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $29,478 during the early years of their career. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Tulsa Technology Center

1,476 Total Awards
$84,142 Average Earnings
$23,878 Avg Student Debt

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #8 on the list. UTHealth is a public institution located in Houston, Texas. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,476 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UTHealth accumulate an average of $23,878 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $203, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UTHealth, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $84,142 during the early years of their career. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

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#9

Texas A&M University - College Station

College Station, Texas
1,428 Total Awards
$57,177 Average Earnings
$19,847 Avg Student Debt

Texas A&M University - College Station landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. College Station, Texas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,428 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $19,847 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $304, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Texas A&M College Station graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $57,177 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 76% were women.

Read full report on Texas A&M University - College Station

#10

Texas Woman's University

Denton, Texas
1,426 Total Awards
$44,718 Average Earnings
$26,747 Avg Student Debt

Texas Woman’s University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #10 on the list. Texas Woman’s University is a fairly large public school located in Denton, Texas that handed out 1,426 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from TWU accumulate an average of $26,747 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $82 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from TWU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,718 during the early years of their career. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#11

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, Arizona
1,370 Total Awards
$43,197 Average Earnings
$22,450 Avg Student Debt

Northern Arizona University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Northern Arizona University is a large public school located in Flagstaff, Arizona that handed out 1,370 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from NAU accumulate an average of $22,450 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $324 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from NAU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,197 during the early years of their career. Around 84% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Northern Arizona University Report

#12

Lone Star College System

The Woodlands, Texas
1,352 Total Awards
$36,839 Average Earnings
$14,481 Avg Student Debt

Lone Star College System ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Southwest Region list. North Harris Montgomery is located in The Woodlands, Texas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,352 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,481 in student loans. During the early years of their career, North Harris Montgomery graduates make an average of $36,839 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

Full Lone Star College System Report

#13

Central New Mexico Community College

Albuquerque, New Mexico
1,327 Total Awards
$30,582 Average Earnings
$13,850 Avg Student Debt

Central New Mexico Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #13 on the list. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the fairly large public school handed out 1,327 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from CNM accumulate an average of $13,850 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, CNM graduates make an average of $30,582 annually. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

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1,283 Total Awards
$77,418 Average Earnings
$23,553 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. Located in San Antonio, Texas, the small public school awarded 1,283 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,553 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, UT Health San Antonio graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $77,418 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Read More…

1,193 Total Awards
$49,374 Average Earnings
$24,436 Avg Student Debt

Arizona State University - Tempe landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the large public school awarded 1,193 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,436 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $329, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from ASU - Tempe, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,374 during the early years of their career. Around 84% of those degree recipients were women.

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1,185 Total Awards
$70,277 Average Earnings
$25,574 Avg Student Debt

The University of Texas Medical Branch landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. This small public school is located in Galveston, Texas, and it awarded 1,185 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,574 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $215 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UTMB Galveston, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $70,277 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.

Full The University of Texas Medical Branch Report

1,150 Total Awards
$41,610 Average Earnings
$23,004 Avg Student Debt

Pima Medical Institute - Tucson came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. PMI Tucson is a small private for-profit school situated in Tucson, Arizona. It awarded 1,150 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,004 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $72, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, PMI Tucson graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,610 during the early year of their career. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Pima Medical Institute - Tucson Report

1,135 Total Awards
$30,488 Average Earnings
$16,156 Avg Student Debt

The College of Health Care Professions - Northwest ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Southwest Region list. CHCP - Northwest is a small private for-profit school situated in Houston, Texas. It awarded 1,135 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from CHCP - Northwest accumulate an average of $16,156 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $72 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, CHCP - Northwest graduates make an average of $30,488 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 93% were women.

Read full report on The College of Health Care Professions - Northwest

1,081 Total Awards
$70,088 Average Earnings
$26,372 Avg Student Debt

University of Oklahoma - Health Sciences Center came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. University of Oklahoma - Health Sciences Center is a small public school located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma that handed out 1,081 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,372 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $318. During the early years of their career, UOHSC graduates make an average of $70,088 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.

Full University of Oklahoma - Health Sciences Center Report

#20

University of New Mexico - Main Campus

Albuquerque, New Mexico
1,041 Total Awards
$45,271 Average Earnings
$21,068 Avg Student Debt

University of New Mexico - Main Campus came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. UNM is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,041 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from UNM accumulate an average of $21,068 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, UNM graduates make an average of $45,271 annually. Around 78% of those degree recipients were women.

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1,036 Total Awards
$54,363 Average Earnings
$33,556 Avg Student Debt

Galen College of Nursing - San Antonio did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #21 on the list. Galen College of Nursing - San Antonio is a small private for-profit school located in San Antonio, Texas that handed out 1,036 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $33,556 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $114 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Galen College of Nursing - San Antonio, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $54,363 during the early years of their career. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Galen College of Nursing - San Antonio

#22

Arizona State University - Skysong

Scottsdale, Arizona
1,034 Total Awards
$48,067 Average Earnings
$25,869 Avg Student Debt

Arizona State University - Skysong came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Scottsdale, Arizona is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,034 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,869 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $304. During the early years of their career, ASU - Skysong graduates make an average of $48,067 annually. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Arizona State University - Skysong

#23

Baylor University

Waco, Texas
1,032 Total Awards
$42,980 Average Earnings
$23,143 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Baylor University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. Located in Waco, Texas, the large private not-for-profit school awarded 1,032 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,143 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $686. During the early years of their career, Baylor graduates make an average of $42,980 annually. Around 79% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Baylor University Report

1,014 Total Awards
$53,632 Average Earnings
$20,281 Avg Student Debt

The University of Texas at Austin landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. This large public school is located in Austin, Texas, and it awarded 1,014 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,281 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $270, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UT Austin graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,632 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.

Read More…

#25

San Jacinto Community College

Pasadena, Texas
991 Total Awards
$36,140 Average Earnings
$14,185 Avg Student Debt

San Jacinto Community College ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Southwest Region list. San Jacinto College is a large public school situated in Pasadena, Texas. It awarded 991 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,185 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from San Jacinto College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,140 during the early years of their career. Around 88% of those degree recipients were women.

Full San Jacinto Community College Report

Not only did these schools make the top 50 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

South Texas College

McAllen, Texas
#30

GateWay Community College

Phoenix, Arizona
#31

Tulsa Community College

Tulsa, Oklahoma
#33

Tyler Junior College

Tyler, Texas
#34

Pima Community College

Tucson, Arizona
#35

Houston Community College

Houston, Texas
#36

University of Houston

Houston, Texas
#38

Texas State University

San Marcos, Texas
#39

The University of Texas at Dallas

Richardson, Texas
#40

Midwestern University - Glendale

Glendale, Arizona
#41

El Centro College

Dallas, Texas
#42

Brookline College - Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona
#43

Tarrant County College District

Fort Worth, Texas
#45

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Weatherford, Oklahoma
#47

El Paso Community College

El Paso, Texas
#49

University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, Texas

View Most Popular Healthcare Schools Nationwide >

To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:

Rank School Location
51 Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX
52 Collin County Community College District McKinney, TX
53 Glendale Community College Glendale, AZ
54 Oklahoma City Community College Oklahoma City, OK
55 Pima Medical Institute - Houston Houston, TX
56 Del Mar College Corpus Christi, TX
57 MSU Texas Wichita Falls, TX
58 Lamar University Beaumont, TX

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular healthcare schools ranking:

Rank School Location
59 Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi Corpus Christi, TX
60 Amarillo College Amarillo, TX
61 RGV Careers Pharr, TX
62 United Education Institute - UEI College - Phoenix Phoenix, AZ
63 Pima Medical Institute - Albuquerque Albuquerque, NM
64 Concorde Career College - San Antonio San Antonio, TX
65 The College of Health Care Professions - Southwest Houston Houston, TX
66 Parker University Dallas, TX
67 Phoenix College Phoenix, AZ
68 Carrington College, Phoenix North Phoenix, AZ
69 The College of Health Care Professions - Fort Worth Fort Worth, TX
70 Weatherford College Weatherford, TX
71 Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, TX
72 Grayson College Denison, TX
72 Pima Medical Institute - Phoenix Phoenix, AZ
74 Community Care College Tulsa, OK
74 PCI Health Training Center Dallas, TX
76 West Texas A&M University Canyon, TX
77 McLennan Community College Waco, TX

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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