Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Academy of Allied Health Careers

The estimated $15,833 debt load here substantially exceeds what typical Tennessee nursing assistant programs charge—the state median sits at $9,500, meaning this program costs roughly 67% more than the norm. While the estimated first-year earnings of $39,477 align with state averages, they lag behind the national median of $44,134 and fall well short of what top Tennessee programs deliver. Several state technical colleges place graduates earning $45,000 to $51,000, suggesting stronger returns are accessible elsewhere in Tennessee.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 isn't catastrophic, but the comparison to peer programs should concern parents. When other schools in your state produce similar or better outcomes while charging significantly less, you're essentially paying a premium without clear evidence of added value. With 32% of students receiving Pell grants, this higher debt burden likely hits financially vulnerable families hardest.

Before committing, investigate why this program costs more than Tennessee's technical colleges and whether that premium translates into better job placement or clinical training. If the school can't demonstrate concrete advantages over lower-cost alternatives—especially the state technical college system—your child may be better served by one of those programs that combine lower debt with stronger earning potential.