Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga State's nursing program graduates earn slightly below Tennessee's median for associate nursing programs, placing them in the 40th percentile statewide—meaning about 60% of comparable programs in the state deliver better starting salaries. More concerning, earnings actually decline by 4% over the first four years, dropping from $64,950 to $62,051. This suggests graduates may face challenges with advancement opportunities or workplace stability that peers at higher-performing programs don't encounter. Compare this to nearby Cleveland State, where nursing graduates start at $69,229, or Southwest Tennessee's $72,913—both represent nearly $8,000-$10,000 more in annual income.

The debt load of $16,253 is modest and creates a manageable 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio, which is the program's strongest selling point. Graduates should be able to pay this down quickly even with below-average earnings. However, that reasonable debt doesn't offset the earnings gap: over four years, the difference between this program and a mid-tier Tennessee option could easily exceed $30,000 in lost income.

For families prioritizing geographic convenience in Chattanooga, this program offers an affordable path to nursing licensure. But if commuting to Cleveland (an hour away) or considering other state options is feasible, the earnings data suggests those alternatives would likely pay off. The combination of below-average starting salary and backward earnings momentum indicates this program underperforms compared to what Tennessee nursing graduates typically achieve.