Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga

Tennessee's nursing programs typically show strong outcomes, but the estimated $34,875 in debt here is more than double what most state peers report—the median across Tennessee nursing programs is just $16,423, and it's roughly $21,000 nationally. That's concerning for an associate degree program, particularly when first-year earnings of around $65,000 align with what community colleges across the state produce at much lower cost. Within four years, graduates do see earnings climb to over $78,000, which is competitive, but that initial debt load creates a notably steeper climb than most alternatives.

The school serves predominantly Pell-eligible students (85%), who often have less financial cushion to manage outsized debt. While a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 isn't catastrophic—it suggests manageable payments—comparable programs like Dyersburg State and Southwest Tennessee Community College produce similar or better earnings while leaving students with far less to repay. Given nursing's strong demand in Tennessee, the credential itself should open doors, but the path to financial stability looks longer here than necessary.

Before committing, get specific numbers directly from Miller-Motte about their actual graduate outcomes and compare total program costs against nearby community colleges offering ADN programs. The difference in debt burden could mean the difference between financial breathing room and years of tight budgets, even in a field with reliable employment.