LVN first or straight to RN in Abilene? What each path costs and pays
Starting as an LVN costs less up front at the Abilene area programs that publish costs.
The short answer
- Cisco College LVN costs $12,838, less than the lowest-cost RN route, Cisco College ADN, at $13,485.
- The LVN route pays a Abilene median of $60,950. RNs here earn $80,240, a gap of $19,290 a year.
- No program in the area lists an LVN-to-RN bridge yet, so the full LVN-to-RN total is still missing.
Which path fits depends on how soon you need income and whether you have your prerequisites done. We don't recommend one.
Side by side
| LVN first | RN, ADN | |
|---|---|---|
| Program | Cisco College LVN | Cisco College ADN |
| Cost | $12,838 to $13,418 | $13,485 to $13,845 |
| Time in school | 3 semesters | 3 semesters (LVN to RN) |
| Pass rate, latest year | 93.1% (54 of 58) | 97.1% (33 of 34) |
| Local median wage | $60,950 | $80,240 |
| Payback time | 2.1 to 2.2 yrs | 1.7 yrs |
The two paths, step by step
LVN first
Step 1: LVN program
$12,838
3 semesters
Cisco College LVN. Then take the NCLEX-PN.
Step 2: work as an LVN
$60,950 a year
Abilene median
Optional, while you finish prerequisites.
Straight to RN
Step 2: RN program
$13,485 to $14,817
7 choices in the area
Then take the NCLEX-RN.
Step 3: work as an RN
$80,240 a year
Abilene median
Payback in 1.7 to 1.8 years, depending on the program.
When each path tends to make sense
Built from the numbers above, not a recommendation.
Programs on each path
LVNCisco College LVN$12,838 to $13,418 · 93.1% pass (54 of 58)LVNTexas State Technical College West Texas LVN$15,115 · 88.1% pass (37 of 42)LVNRanger College LVNCost coming soon · 100% pass (19 of 19)RNCisco College ADN$13,485 to $13,845 · 97.1% pass (33 of 34)RNTexas State Technical College- West Texas ADN$14,817 · 63.4% pass (26 of 41)RNRanger College ADNCost coming soon · 91.7% pass (22 of 24)RNAbilene Christian University BSNCost coming soon · 97.2% pass (35 of 36)RNHardin-Simmons University BSNCost coming soon · Pass rate coming soonRNHoward Payne University BSNCost coming soon · 100% pass (11 of 11)RNPatty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing BSNCost coming soon · 100% pass (19 of 19)
How to read this
- Costs are each school's published estimate and include licensing fees where the school lists them.
- Payback time is cost divided by 10% of the local median wage. Why we use 10%
- Pass rates under 20 test takers are marked as small groups.
Sources and dates
- Cisco College, Estimated Educational Cost, LVN-RN (ADN) Nursing Program, 2024-2025 (PDF, updated June 8, 2024), 2024-25 estimate.
- Texas State Technical College, SP27 RN Information Session Advisory Packet, LVN to ADN Transition estimated costs (PDF), Spring 2027 information packet.
- Cisco College, Estimated Educational Cost, Vocational Nursing Program, 2026-2027 (PDF, updated March 6, 2026), 2026-27 estimate.
- Texas State Technical College, LVN 26FA Information Session Advisory Packet, LVN Program Estimated Costs (PDF), Fall 2026 information packet.
- Texas Board of Nursing, Report of 2025 NCLEX-RN Examination Pass Rates (Board Meeting, April 2026, item 3.2.13), April 2026.
- Texas Board of Nursing, Report of 2025 NCLEX-PN Examination Pass Rates (Board Meeting, April 2026, item 3.2.12), April 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Abilene, TX, May 2025.
Every number was checked against its source on Nov. 1, 2026. Spot an error? Report it. Program Outcomes is independent and not affiliated with any school or the Texas Board of Nursing. Our independence policy