Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Georgia Northwestern Technical College's practical nursing program offers low debt—just $9,500 compared to a national median of $14,803—but the earnings trajectory raises questions. At $44,957 in the first year, graduates earn above both the state median ($42,152) and national median ($44,134), ranking in the 60th percentile among Georgia programs. However, by year four, earnings drop to $42,250, suggesting limited career advancement opportunities or potential shifts in how graduates work in the field.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 is manageable, meaning graduates owe less than three months of their first-year salary. This makes the program financially accessible, particularly for the 39% of students receiving Pell grants. Still, the earnings decline is notable—while several Georgia technical colleges see their nursing graduates earning $47,000-$51,000 four years out, this program plateaus below that range.

For families prioritizing quick entry to healthcare with minimal debt, this program delivers on the low-cost promise. But if your child aims to maximize long-term earnings as a practical nurse in Georgia, schools like Augusta Technical or Georgia Piedmont show stronger income potential. The modest upfront investment makes this a low-risk choice, though it may not be the highest-return option in the state.