Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Jefferson Community and Technical College

With an associate's degree costing about $23,000 in debt, Jefferson Community and Technical College's nursing graduates earn $63,784 in their first year—roughly $5,000 below Kentucky's median for nursing programs. More concerning is the earnings trajectory: by year four, median pay drops to $59,347, suggesting graduates may face challenges advancing in their careers or face job market constraints that hold wages down. Among the state's 30 nursing programs, Jefferson ranks at the 40th percentile, meaning three-fifths of Kentucky nursing programs deliver stronger outcomes. For perspective, top Kentucky programs like University of Pikeville ($76,570) and American National start graduates nearly $13,000 higher.

The numbers aren't disastrous—the debt load remains manageable at 36% of first-year earnings, and nursing jobs still provide decent stability. But you're essentially paying for access to a career that plateaus early rather than one with upward mobility. For a community college, that might be acceptable if cost savings were dramatic, but the debt here sits right at Kentucky's median for nursing programs.

If your child is committed to nursing and Jefferson is the most accessible option, it can work—but recognize you're likely paying similar debt for below-average outcomes compared to other Kentucky schools. If admission to a stronger state program is possible, even with slightly higher costs, the $10,000+ earnings premium could justify it within a few years.