Health Professions at Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga State's Health Professions program graduates earn $36,180 in their first year—surpassing the national median and running well ahead of Tennessee's typical outcome of $31,211. Among the state's 11 programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, making it a solid middle-tier option for Tennessee residents. Earnings climb 8% by year four, suggesting stable career progression rather than explosive growth.

The debt picture looks manageable at $22,513, translating to a 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's notably lower than the national median debt of $17,930 suggests, but the ratio itself falls comfortably within affordable territory—graduates need less than eight months of gross income to cover their borrowing. For parents weighing community college affordability, this represents a reasonable investment, particularly given the program's strong placement relative to other in-state options.

The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than these medians suggest. Still, for Tennessee families seeking healthcare training close to home, Chattanooga State delivers competitive earnings without the debt burden that sometimes accompanies health professions programs at larger institutions. It's a practical path into steady healthcare work.