Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Nashville State Community College
Associate's Degree
nscc.eduAnalysis
Nashville State's liberal arts associate degree punches above its weight, landing in the 66th percentile nationally and 60th percentile among Tennessee programs—notably outperforming the state median by over $11,000 four years out. While the $29,280 starting salary looks modest, graduates see robust 30% earnings growth by year four, reaching $38,052. That's the second-highest outcome among Tennessee's community college liberal arts programs, trailing only Austin Peay State.
The debt picture strengthens the case considerably. At $13,309, borrowing sits in the 25th percentile nationally (meaning 75% of similar programs leave students with more debt), and the 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio means most graduates can manage payments on less than half their first-year income. While debt is higher than Tennessee's median for this program, the stronger earnings make it a reasonable tradeoff.
For families in the Nashville area, this program offers a legitimate pathway to four-year degree preparation or direct workforce entry without overwhelming debt. The combination of below-average borrowing and above-average earnings growth creates a foundation that many liberal arts programs struggle to deliver.
Where Nashville State Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Nashville State Community College graduates compare to all 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 | $29,280 | $38,052 | +30% |
| Austin Peay State University | $30,708 | $37,417 | +22% |
| Volunteer State Community College | $26,355 | $36,510 | +39% |
| Columbia State Community College | $26,438 | $36,428 | +38% |
| Roane State Community College | $25,289 | $35,242 | +39% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities associates's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (33 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 | $29,280 | $38,052 | $13,309 | 0.45 |
 Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville | $8,675 | $30,708 | $37,417 | $17,500 | 0.57 |
 Southwest Tennessee Community CollegeMemphis | $4,550 | $28,980 | $32,601 | $8,750 | 0.30 |
 Jackson State Community CollegeJackson | $4,516 | $27,378 | $31,336 | $5,500 | 0.20 |
 Motlow State Community CollegeTullahoma | $4,536 | $26,915 | $35,213 | $5,500 | 0.20 |
 Pellissippi State Community CollegeKnoxville | $4,576 | $26,757 | $33,724 | $8,750 | 0.33 |
| National Median | — | $27,248 | — | $10,950 | 0.40 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
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 254 graduates with reported earnings and 456 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.