Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga

The $14,037 first-year earnings here should immediately concern any parent. That's barely above minimum wage for full-time work and ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for nursing assistant programs—meaning 95% of similar programs produce better outcomes. Even within Tennessee, where nursing assistants typically earn $39,477 their first year, this program lands in the 10th percentile. Meanwhile, other Chattanooga-area programs like Chattanooga College of Medical, Dental & Technical Careers see graduates earning $50,437. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift, but that's a thin reed to grasp when the gap is this wide.

While earnings do grow 52% by year four to $21,285, that's still barely half the Tennessee state median. The $9,500 debt load is below average, which offers some relief, but it doesn't compensate for such dramatically depressed earnings. With 85% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves predominantly low-income students who need strong earning potential to justify any debt.

Unless there are extenuating circumstances—like needing this specific location or schedule—your child would be far better served by Tennessee's public technical colleges, which produce consistently stronger outcomes at similar or lower cost. This is one to skip.