Vernon College LVN costs $9,288. Here is what it pays back.
A vocational nursing (LVN) certificate in Vernon, 3 semesters. In 2025, 60 of its 66 first-time test takers passed the NCLEX-PN.
The short version
- Its 2025 pass rate of 90.9% was within 1.0 points of the Texas average. In 2024 it was 10.5 points below.
- It is the Wichita Falls area's only vocational nursing (LVN) program.
These findings are generated from the numbers on this page and change when the data does. How we write them
Where the money goes
About half of every dollar goes to level i tuition, fees, textbooks, supplies and clearance (11 hours, in district). Figures are the sheet's in-district (Wilbarger County) grand totals. Out of district the three levels total $10,728. Adding A&P II and PSYC 2314 if not already complete adds $1,994 in district. The sheet's full stated range is $9,288 to $13,627, where the high end includes out-of-district tuition, the prerequisite courses and a repeat fourth level. Health insurance is not included.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Level I tuition, fees, textbooks, supplies and clearance (11 hours, in district) | $4,286 |
| Level II tuition, fees and textbooks (12 hours, in district) | $2,163 |
| Level III tuition, fees, textbooks and licensing (13 hours, in district) | $2,839 |
| Total 1 | $9,288 |
Not included: prerequisite courses and living costs. Summer 2025 cohort estimate.
When it pays you back
If you set aside 10% of the Wichita Falls LVN median wage, about $503 a month, the $9,288 cost is covered in about 1.5 years of work.
Before taxes and loan interest, and assuming work starts right after licensing. Red is money still owed to yourself; green is money ahead. Why we use 10%
The real cost of getting licensed
The program price is not the whole bill. Here is what stands between today and a license, with what we know and what we don't.
| Piece | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites (2 courses) | $1,994 | Data coming soon |
| Vernon College LVN, including licensing fees | $9,288 | 3 semesters |
| Living costs while in school | Not included | |
| Total before living costs | $11,282 | 3 semesters |
Prerequisite courses at Vernon College's own rates, from the same cost sheet. Taking them elsewhere can cost more or less. How we count cost
Will graduates pass the NCLEX-PN?
In 2025, 60 of Vernon College's 66 first-time test takers passed the NCLEX-PN. Its rate rose from 82.8% in 2024 to 90.9%. 2
Bars start at 75% so small differences are visible. National rates are on the methodology page. Earlier years: 3456
What LVNs earn around Wichita Falls
Payback time uses the middle wage. Here is the wider picture.
Program facts
- Length
- 3 semesters
- Schedule
- Day program at the Vernon campus; an evening option runs at Century City Center in Wichita Falls
- Before you apply
- BIOL 2302/2102 (Anatomy and Physiology II) and PSYC 2314 are required if not already complete and can be taken during the program.
- Credential
- Vocational Nursing (LVN) certificate, eligible for NCLEX-PN
- Board approval status
- Data coming soon
- Accreditation
- Data coming soon
- Sector
- Public community college
The lowest-cost LVN program ($9,288) costs less than the lowest-cost RN program ($18,297).
What changed
- Nov 2026Total cost recorded from the school's estimate (summer 2025 cohort estimate): $9,288.
- Apr 20262025 pass rate added: 90.9% (60 of 66).
- Apr 20252024 pass rate added: 82.8% (48 of 58).
- Apr 20242023 pass rate added: 96.7% (58 of 60).
- Apr 20232022 pass rate added: 93.8% (45 of 48).
- Apr 20222021 pass rate added: 91.2% (52 of 57).
Sources and dates
- Vernon College, Summer 2025 LVN Cost Sheet, Vernon Day (PDF), Summer 2025 cohort estimate.
- Texas Board of Nursing, Report of 2025 NCLEX-PN Examination Pass Rates (Board Meeting, April 2026, item 3.2.12), April 2026.
- Texas Board of Nursing, Report of 2024 NCLEX-PN Examination Pass Rates (Board Meeting, April 2025, item 3.2.11), April 2025.
- Texas Board of Nursing, Report of 2023 NCLEX-PN Examination Pass Rates (Board Meeting, April 2024, item 3.2.14), April 2024.
- Texas Board of Nursing, Report of 2022 NCLEX-PN Examination Pass Rates (Board Meeting, April 2023, item 3.2.6), April 2023.
- Texas Board of Nursing, Report of 2021 NCLEX-PN Examination Pass Rates (Board Meeting, April 2022, item 3.2.7), April 2022.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Wichita Falls, 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