Est. Earnings (1yr)
$71,054
Est. from GA median (25 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$18,347
Est. from GA median (22 programs)

Analysis

Similar nursing programs across Georgia suggest this associate's degree should lead to solid financial outcomes, with first-year earnings around $71,000 against roughly $18,000 in debt. That 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio means you'd owe about three months' salaryβ€”manageable territory for healthcare training. Georgia's nursing market appears robust, with the state median matching national figures and several technical colleges reporting outcomes well above $70,000.

The caveat: these estimates reflect what comparable Georgia nursing programs typically produce, not verified data from Coastal Pines itself. The school's graduate cohort was too small for the Department of Education to publish specific outcomes. What we do know is that Georgia's technical college nursing programs span a wide range, from solid performers around $74,000 to standouts like Chattahoochee and West Georgia Technical exceeding $83,000. Where Coastal Pines falls in that spectrum remains unclear.

For anxious parents, the fundamental question is whether this uncertainty matters given nursing's broader strength as a field. Associate's-prepared registered nurses face consistent demand, and even the estimated figures here suggest workable debt levels. But if you can access one of Georgia's nursing programs with proven outcomes in the $80,000+ range without significant added cost or distance, that might be worth considering. Otherwise, you're betting on Coastal Pines performing at least near the state averageβ€”a reasonable gamble for a profession with this much labor market stability.

Where Coastal Pines Technical College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (31 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Coastal Pines Technical CollegeWaycross$3,040$71,054*β€”$18,347*β€”
Chattahoochee Technical CollegeMarietta$3,252$86,454*$68,427β€”*β€”
West Georgia Technical CollegeWaco$3,122$83,943*$70,380$19,833*0.24
Albany State UniversityAlbany$5,934$79,737*$62,124$27,482*0.34
Southern Crescent Technical CollegeGriffin$3,126$77,547*β€”$15,500*0.20
Georgia Highlands CollegeRome$2,944$74,476*$62,330$18,193*0.24
National Medianβ€”$68,409*β€”$20,751*0.30
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates

Nurse Anesthetists

Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Midwives

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Practitioners

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Registered Nurses

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Acute Care Nurses

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Critical Care Nurses

Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Coastal Pines Technical College, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 25 similar programs in GA. Actual outcomes may vary.