Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Helms College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
The small sample size here is a critical warning flag, but the numbers—even with that caveat—suggest serious problems. Helms College graduates earn just $22,206 one year out, which is less than half the state median of $42,152 for practical nursing programs in Georgia. This ranks in the 10th percentile statewide, meaning 90% of Georgia nursing programs produce better outcomes. Compare that to nearby Augusta Technical College, where graduates earn $51,024—more than double what Helms grads make in the same city.
While the debt load of $8,812 is relatively modest compared to the $12,910 state median, it still represents 40% of first-year earnings when those earnings are this low. Georgia's technical colleges consistently produce practical nursing graduates earning $45,000-$51,000 annually, suggesting the local healthcare market pays well—these graduates just aren't accessing those opportunities. With 44% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are stretching limited resources for an outcome that appears significantly below what's available at public alternatives.
Given the available data, parents should seriously question why this program performs so far below other Georgia nursing programs. Technical colleges in the same state deliver outcomes that are both better-paying and similarly affordable, making them the obvious benchmark for comparison.
Where Helms College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate'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 Helms College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Helms College graduates earn $22k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (26 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helms College | $22,206 | — | $8,812 | 0.40 |
| Augusta Technical College | $51,024 | — | $12,910 | 0.25 |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College | $48,045 | $47,598 | $20,751 | 0.43 |
| North Georgia Technical College | $47,416 | $45,521 | $15,058 | 0.32 |
| Southern Crescent Technical College | $47,408 | $45,229 | $12,892 | 0.27 |
| Athens Technical College | $45,119 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Programs in Georgia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta Technical College Augusta | $4,022 | $51,024 | $12,910 |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College Clarkston | $3,188 | $48,045 | $20,751 |
| North Georgia Technical College Clarkesville | $3,162 | $47,416 | $15,058 |
| Southern Crescent Technical College Griffin | $3,126 | $47,408 | $12,892 |
| Athens Technical College Athens | $3,172 | $45,119 | — |
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 Helms College, approximately 44% 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.