Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay's nursing graduates start strong with first-year earnings of $68,235, but face an unusual challenge: incomes actually drop to $63,880 by year four. While this decline runs counter to typical career progression, the program performs better than half of Tennessee's nursing programs—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—suggesting this earnings pattern may reflect regional healthcare market dynamics rather than program quality alone. The modest debt load of $27,576 keeps the financial risk manageable, with graduates owing just 40% of their first-year income.

The gap between Austin Peay and Tennessee's top nursing programs is significant—graduates here earn about $13,000 less annually than peers from Strayer or Galen—but the program serves an important access mission, with 46% of students receiving Pell grants and a 96% admission rate. For families prioritizing affordability and a nursing credential over maximizing earnings potential, the math still works: even with the earnings dip, graduates earn enough to comfortably manage their debt.

The practical reality is that this program delivers reliable healthcare employment at a reasonable price, though graduates shouldn't expect the salary growth trajectory typical in nursing. Families should weigh whether the middle-of-the-pack Tennessee earnings justify staying in-state versus exploring higher-performing programs that might cost more upfront but deliver stronger long-term returns.