Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Concorde Career College-Memphis

Concorde Career College-Memphis produces nursing graduates who earn substantially more than Tennessee's median—about $76,000 versus $65,000 statewide—but getting there costs roughly double what students pay at community colleges. At $35,000 in debt compared to Tennessee's $16,000 median, you're paying a premium price for what amounts to middle-tier outcomes within the state (60th percentile). For context, Dyersburg State and Southwest Tennessee Community College graduates earn nearly identical salaries while students there borrow far less.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 isn't dangerous territory, and starting at $76,000 puts graduates well above the national nursing median. But the complete absence of earnings growth over four years is concerning—these nurses aren't seeing the salary progression that typically comes with experience. Combined with serving a predominantly low-income student body (74% receive Pell grants), the debt burden matters more here than at schools where students have family financial cushions.

The calculation is straightforward: if your child can access a Tennessee community college nursing program, they'll likely earn similar money with half the debt. Concorde makes sense primarily for students who've been unable to secure admission elsewhere or need the flexibility of a for-profit institution's scheduling. The earnings are solid, but you're overpaying for the credential.