Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Bethel University

Based on comparable nursing programs across Tennessee, Bethel's Associate in Nursing appears to track near the state median—with estimated first-year earnings around $65,160 and debt near $26,624. That debt figure, however, sits notably above Tennessee's typical $16,423 for nursing associates, which matters when several community colleges in the state report actual outcomes $7,000-$11,000 higher while costing substantially less. Programs like Dyersburg State and Southwest Tennessee demonstrate that Tennessee nursing students can often access stronger financial outcomes through public institutions.

The 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable range for a healthcare credential, but the value proposition hinges on whether you need the specific environment or support services Bethel provides. With a 97% admission rate and relatively accessible academic profile, Bethel serves students who may benefit from a private college structure. Yet nursing is one of those fields where employer licensing requirements matter far more than institutional prestige—your child will sit for the same NCLEX exam and compete for the same positions as graduates from state schools charging half as much.

If Bethel offers something your family truly values beyond the degree itself, that higher debt load won't derail a nursing career. But purely as a financial decision, these estimates suggest Tennessee's community colleges deliver comparable or better nursing outcomes at significantly lower cost. Compare actual graduation rates and NCLEX pass rates before committing.