Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Carson-Newman University

Tennessee nursing programs typically launch graduates into stable careers, but Carson-Newman's associate degree carries estimated debt that deserves scrutiny. At $26,624, the projected student loan burden exceeds both the state median ($16,423) and national median ($20,751) for this credential—meaning graduates would owe roughly 60% more than peers at comparable programs. With first-year earnings from similar Tennessee programs averaging $65,160, that debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 is manageable but not exceptional, especially when multiple Tennessee community colleges produce comparable outcomes with significantly less borrowing.

The comparison to peer schools tells the story: Community colleges like Dyersburg State and Cleveland State report graduates earning similar or higher salaries, likely with far lower debt loads. That gap matters when you're making monthly loan payments on a nurse's salary. Carson-Newman's private university environment comes with a price tag that this particular program may not justify financially.

The path forward depends on your child's specific circumstances. If they've secured substantial scholarships that would bring actual costs closer to community college levels, the smaller campus environment might be worth it. But if facing the full estimated debt load, Tennessee's community college nursing programs offer a more straightforward value proposition—similar career outcomes without the financial weight.