Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Aiken Technical College

Aiken Technical College's nursing program starts strong with first-year earnings of $72,146—exceeding both state and national medians—but graduates see their income decline to $68,959 by year four. While a 4% earnings dip isn't catastrophic in nursing (where schedule changes or personal circumstances often drive income shifts), it's worth understanding why some nearby programs sustain higher growth trajectories.

The financial fundamentals work in your child's favor. At $22,200 in debt, they'd owe just 31 cents for every dollar earned in that first year—a manageable ratio that's actually below South Carolina's typical nursing debt load. The program ranks solidly in the 60th percentile statewide, though it trails schools like Tri-County Technical and Greenville Technical by roughly $1,500 annually. With 45% of students receiving Pell grants, Aiken Technical clearly serves working families who need an affordable entry into a stable profession.

The bottom line: This program delivers immediate access to middle-class earnings with debt you can actually pay off. If location matters and your child wants to start working as a nurse quickly, Aiken Technical is a sound choice. Just recognize you're not getting the absolute top outcomes available at South Carolina's community colleges—but you're getting reliable ones at a price that won't follow your family around for decades.