Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,196
30th percentile (40th in TN)
Median Debt
$15,266
8% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.38
Manageable
Sample Size
25
Limited data

Analysis

Nashville State's Allied Health certificate leaves graduates earning about $5,000 less than the typical program nationally, though it lands right in the middle of Tennessee offerings. At $40,196 in first-year earnings, graduates start below both the national median ($45,746) and just under Tennessee's median ($40,825), ranking in the 40th percentile statewide. More concerning: several Tennessee community colleges—including Columbia State and Southwest Tennessee—produce graduates earning $8,000-$11,000 more annually from similar programs.

The $15,266 in debt translates to a manageable 0.38 ratio against first-year earnings, and graduates do see 13% wage growth by year four. That earnings trajectory to $45,364 helps close the gap with national benchmarks. However, with a third of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are price-sensitive, and the relatively modest starting salary means slower debt payoff for those who need it most.

The small sample size—under 30 graduates—makes these numbers less reliable than typical data. If you're considering this program, the safer move would be comparing outcomes with larger programs like Chattanooga State or Columbia State, where more robust data shows substantially stronger earning potential. Nashville State may work for students who need to stay local, but it's not the strongest Allied Health certificate option in Tennessee.

Where Nashville State Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate's programs nationally

Nashville State Community CollegeOther allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

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 Nashville State Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Nashville State Community College graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 30th percentile of all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (25 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Nashville State Community College$40,196$45,364$15,2660.38
Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting$69,188$63,072$16,4330.24
Chattanooga State Community College$53,180$35,716$16,7600.32
Columbia State Community College$51,093$46,272$10,3390.20
Southwest Tennessee Community College$48,290$54,323$8,8750.18
Volunteer State Community College$45,599$41,743$10,8120.24
National Median$45,746—$14,1670.31

Other Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Programs in Tennessee

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Tennessee schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting
Nashville
—$69,188$16,433
Chattanooga State Community College
Chattanooga
$4,550$53,180$16,760
Columbia State Community College
Columbia
$4,904$51,093$10,339
Southwest Tennessee Community College
Memphis
$4,550$48,290$8,875
Volunteer State Community College
Gallatin
$4,524$45,599$10,812

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 Nashville State Community College, approximately 33% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 25 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.