Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Augusta Technical College

Augusta Technical College's practical nursing program delivers first-year earnings of $51,024—substantially above both Georgia's median ($42,152) and the national average ($44,134). Despite ranking at the 60th percentile within Georgia, these graduates out-earn those from several higher-ranked state programs, including Athens Technical and Georgia Northwestern Technical. The debt load of $12,910 produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25, meaning graduates earn roughly four dollars for every dollar borrowed.

The numbers suggest solid value, particularly for the 42% of students receiving Pell grants who need reliable returns on modest investment. New practical nurses here start earning more than three-quarters of similar programs nationally—a meaningful advantage in a field where steady income typically matters more than dramatic upside. The relatively low debt gives graduates financial breathing room as they launch their careers.

The main caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary more than typical. However, the fundamentals—manageable debt paired with above-average starting salaries in a stable field—point to a practical pathway into nursing for Georgia students seeking quick entry to the workforce without accumulating significant student loans.