Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Florence-Darlington Technical College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 is impressive for any healthcare credential, and while Florence-Darlington's specific outcomes aren't reported, national data on similar nursing certificate programs suggests solid financial footing. Based on comparable programs nationwide, graduates typically earn around $66,000 in their first year—enough to make $19,000 in estimated debt manageable. The school serves a heavily Pell-eligible population (45%), which often indicates strong local workforce ties and affordable preparation for middle-class careers.

What's harder to assess is the credential's trajectory. The reported four-year earnings of $59,000—lower than the estimated first-year figure—could reflect career changes, part-time work, or data quirks, but it suggests earnings may not climb steeply. Nursing certificates can be solid entry points into the field, though they may position graduates differently than associate or bachelor's degree holders in terms of advancement opportunities.

The financial picture looks workable: estimated debt sits below the national median for these programs, and the earnings-to-debt ratio suggests repayment shouldn't dominate your child's budget. But verify what this specific certificate qualifies graduates to do in South Carolina's nursing market—not all nursing credentials lead to the same licensure or job prospects.