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

Coastal Alabama's nursing program starts strong with $67,900 in first-year earnings—outperforming the state median by over $4,000 and placing in the 60th percentile among Alabama nursing programs. The $17,653 debt load translates to just 0.26 times first-year salary, a manageable burden that many graduates could clear within a few years. For Alabama families, this represents solid in-state value.

The concerning element here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see a 13% drop by year four, falling to $59,119. This backward slide is unusual for nursing and might reflect graduates moving from hospital acute care into lower-paying settings, though local labor market factors could also play a role. Still, even with this decline, debt remains relatively modest compared to the earning potential.

For parents weighing Alabama nursing programs, this sits in the middle tier—behind Bishop State and Southern Union, but competitive with most community college options. The low debt-to-earnings ratio provides breathing room if career paths shift. If your student plans to stay in acute care hospital settings where first-year earnings tend to hold, this program offers reasonable preparation without excessive financial risk.