Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Galen Health Institutes delivers solid nursing outcomes with one major advantage: exceptionally low debt. With graduates earning $76,234 in their first year and carrying just $45,775 in debt, this program significantly outperforms Tennessee's typical nursing debt load of $26,872 but keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio manageable at 0.60—meaning graduates can reasonably expect to pay off loans within reasonable timeframes.
The earnings picture is encouraging, particularly within Tennessee's nursing landscape. While the program ranks in the 55th percentile nationally, it jumps to the 60th percentile among Tennessee programs, with first-year earnings notably higher than the state median of $67,094. This $9,000+ premium over typical Tennessee nursing programs matters significantly in a state market, especially when you consider that graduates see continued growth to $82,003 by year four.
The debt story deserves attention—while $45,775 is substantially higher than typical nursing debt both nationally and in Tennessee, Galen ranks in the 5th percentile for debt nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs nationally carry higher debt loads. For a family prioritizing nursing education with strong Tennessee market positioning and manageable debt service, this program delivers solid value despite the higher upfront borrowing costs.
Where Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus graduates earn $76k, placing them in the 55th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (32 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus | $76,234 | $82,003 | $45,775 | 0.60 |
| Strayer University-Tennessee | $81,061 | — | $34,040 | 0.42 |
| Baptist Health Sciences University | $74,962 | $66,408 | $47,500 | 0.63 |
| University of Memphis | $73,680 | $64,251 | $27,168 | 0.37 |
| The University of Tennessee-Martin | $71,727 | $65,594 | $25,231 | 0.35 |
| Bethel University | $71,315 | — | $25,000 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Tennessee
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Tennessee schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strayer University-Tennessee Memphis | $13,920 | $81,061 | $34,040 |
| Baptist Health Sciences University Memphis | $13,846 | $74,962 | $47,500 |
| University of Memphis Memphis | $10,344 | $73,680 | $27,168 |
| The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin | $10,208 | $71,727 | $25,231 |
| Bethel University McKenzie | $18,168 | $71,315 | $25,000 |
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 Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus, approximately 42% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 607 graduates with reported earnings and 760 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.