Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Georgia Highlands College

Georgia Highlands College's nursing program launches graduates into solid first-year earnings of $74,476—above both the national and state medians—but there's a puzzle in the data worth understanding. By year four, earnings drop to $62,330, a 16% decline that's unusual for nursing careers. This could reflect part-time work choices, career breaks, or simply the specific cohort tracked, but it's worth noting when evaluating long-term prospects. Within Georgia, this program lands in the 60th percentile, meaning 9 other schools produce notably higher four-year earnings, including several technical colleges where nursing graduates earn $80,000+.

The debt picture is reasonable at $18,193—slightly below the state median and well below the national average. That 0.24 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates could theoretically pay off loans with about three months of their first year's salary, which is manageable by any measure. The program serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students (39%), suggesting strong access for middle- and lower-income families.

The bottom line: If your child is committed to staying in the Rome area and values the stability of a state college credential, this program delivers a viable entry point to nursing with manageable debt. However, if maximizing earning potential is the priority, Georgia's technical college nursing programs consistently produce stronger financial outcomes at similar or lower debt levels. Compare carefully before committing.