Analysis
Similar associate's programs in health professions suggest a debt burden around $15,440—well below both state and national norms—which is encouraging given that comparable programs typically produce first-year earnings of $35,232. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 means graduates might realistically pay off their loans within a few years if they prioritize it, and the actual four-year earnings figure of $42,612 (one of the few concrete data points we have) shows meaningful income growth after that initial period.
The challenge is knowing where Nashville State's program specifically lands within Tennessee's wide range of outcomes. Health professions programs across the state show first-year earnings between $26,000 and $36,000, with Chattanooga State's graduates hitting the upper end. Whether Nashville State's graduates track closer to Jackson State's lower outcomes or Chattanooga's stronger performance makes a significant difference when you're calculating return on investment, and the limited reporting here leaves that question open.
What matters most is understanding which specific health profession this degree targets. "Health professions" covers everything from medical assistants to radiologic technologists, with vastly different career trajectories. If this program feeds into a licensure track with clear job placement, the manageable debt load makes it a reasonable bet. If it's a more general credential without direct career pathways, that $15,000 investment carries more risk than the raw numbers suggest.
Where Nashville State Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville State Community College | — | $42,612 | — |
| American Public University System | $41,350 | $51,205 | +24% |
| Monroe Community College | $35,765 | $44,497 | +24% |
| Chattanooga State Community College | $36,180 | $39,058 | +8% |
| Ozarks Technical Community College | $26,962 | $38,517 | +43% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Health Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Nashville State Community CollegeNashville | $4,498 | $35,232* | $42,612 | $15,440* | — |
 Chattanooga State Community CollegeChattanooga | $4,550 | $36,180* | $39,058 | $22,513* | 0.62 |
 Jackson State Community CollegeJackson | $4,516 | $26,242* | — | —* | — |
| National Median | — | $35,232* | — | $17,930* | 0.51 |
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 9 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.