Health and Medical Administrative Services at Nashville State Community College

Nashville State's health administration program stands out for delivering strong first-year earnings of $40,023—beating both the state median of $36,204 and placing in the 95th percentile nationally. Based on similar two-year programs nationwide, graduates likely carry around $20,437 in debt, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51. That's notably lower than the $23,000 national median and far below Tennessee's typical $33,597 for this field.

The concerning piece is what happens after that first year: earnings drop to $35,010 by year four, a 12% decline that's unusual for any program. This could reflect graduates moving between healthcare employers, shifting to part-time work, or other labor market dynamics specific to medical administration roles. It's worth noting that even with this decline, year-four earnings still roughly match the state median, suggesting the program remains competitive even as individual career paths diverge.

For parents evaluating this investment, the initial numbers look solid—strong starting earnings with debt that appears reasonable relative to what peer programs typically produce. The earnings drop deserves scrutiny, but the low debt load provides a cushion if your child's career path follows a similar trajectory. Given that this is a two-year credential in a stable healthcare sector, the risk-reward calculation still leans favorable, especially if your child plans to use this as a stepping stone rather than a career endpoint.