Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Jackson State Community College

Jackson State Community College's nursing program charges just $8,450 in typical student debt—among the lowest 5% nationally and half the Tennessee state median. That affordability is genuinely exceptional. However, the earnings trajectory raises questions: graduates start at $66,385, which beats the Tennessee median but falls below the national average, then see their income drop 16% to $55,449 by year four. This decline is unusual for nursing and worth understanding.

The 60th percentile ranking among Tennessee nursing programs suggests solid in-state performance, though several community colleges in the state deliver stronger outcomes. At a 0.13 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates can manage their loans comfortably even with the income dip. The real puzzle is what drives that four-year decline—whether it reflects part-time work choices, local labor market constraints in the Jackson area, or career path decisions among this cohort.

For families prioritizing minimal debt and immediate employability in Tennessee's nursing market, this program delivers on affordability. Just recognize that the earnings path here differs from typical nursing trajectories, where income usually holds steady or climbs. If your student plans to stay in rural West Tennessee, the low debt burden creates flexibility even if earnings plateau earlier than expected.