Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Central Alabama Community College

Central Alabama Community College's nursing program lands near the middle of Alabama's competitive ADN landscape—ranking at the 40th percentile statewide—but faces a troubling pattern that deserves attention. While first-year earnings of $59,634 aren't far from the state median of $63,672, they actually decline to $58,009 by year four. This downward trajectory is unusual for nursing, where experience typically commands higher pay, and it puts this program about $10,000 behind Alabama's top performers like Herzing Birmingham ($73,342) and Bishop State ($71,034).

The financial fundamentals look reasonable on paper: graduates carry just $15,967 in debt (below the state median) with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27, meaning the debt equals roughly three months of first-year salary. However, the earnings decline raises questions about whether graduates are finding optimal employment opportunities or struggling with job placement in the Alexander City region versus larger Alabama markets.

For parents considering this program, the modest debt burden provides some cushion, but the below-average earnings and negative growth trajectory suggest your child might be better served at nearby Southern Union or Coastal Alabama, where graduates consistently earn $8,000-10,000 more annually. If geographic constraints make Central Alabama the only option, ensure your child has a plan for pursuing higher-paying positions in Birmingham or Montgomery within their first few years.